Best 10 Pest Control Companies in Queens, NY

Queens is a densely-populated city, so once a pest infestation takes hold, it can spread quickly. Troublesome local critters such as mice or bed bugs can transform your home from a sanctuary into a place of continuous worry and concern.

Whether your pest problem is big or small, our list of pest control companies in Queens can help you choose the right team to solve it.

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

The first step is selecting the best pest control professional for the job. A company's qualifications and pest treatment methods are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and reputation in customer reviews. Of course, you will also want to consider cost.

Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.

Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them are required to be certified at the state level. The EPA does set minimum standards of competency, but all New York pesticide applicators must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.

Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

There are additional optional certifications that can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To obtain this certification, a company must show that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other certifications can be obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.

Pest control companies can also join certain professional organizations. A pest control company can join both state-level organizations and national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices.

Professional Experience and Specialties

You can gain some insight into a pest company's experience level by seeing how long it has been in operation. The company's website and local reviews can also clue you in as to whether the company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always contact a representative directly to learn this information if it is not available online.

Reviews and Recommendations

Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. You can also verify the status of a company's license through the New York licensing board.

Cost of Services and Guarantees

Pest control costs can vary based on things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.

When considering the cost of services, you should first look into whether a company provides free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatment until the problem is resolved satisfactorily?

Safety and Treatment Methods

Your choice of pest control provider might be influenced by how eco-friendly a provider's pest control servicesare, in addition to how safe its methods are around your family and pets.

Safety

You should ask your pest control expert if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what kind of precautionary measures they are going to use. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider will be able to supply you with information about all pesticides they plan on using.

Treatment Methods

Many pest control companies have started making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some employ a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:

1. Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is required.
2. Decide on the safest course of action.
3. Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
4. Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest control management.
5. Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control treatment methods as needed.

Common Household Pests in Queens

In Queens, some species of pests are more common than others. This list includes the following:

• Ants: Ants can be found in basically all of New York. Large carpenter ants can be even more of a problem than normal soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your home.
• Moths: If you're dealing with a moth infestation, you might notice holes in your clothing or linens. Moths thrive in warmer weather and enjoy dark places like closets.
• Bees: Your local pest expert can help eliminate bee infestations around your house (some companies may have resources to safely relocate hives). You might be especially concerned with having bees' nests removed if there is someone in your household who has an allergy.
• Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your home.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout New York, and they can cause major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often hard to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest wallpaper, furniture, bedsheets, and more.
• Mice: Telltale signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice tend to frequent attics or areas where food is kept.

Sources

• EPA
• National Pest Management Association