Best 10 Pest Control Companies in Durham, NC

Pests such as rats and bed bugs are a significant concern in places that are more densely populated, such as Durham. These critters aren't just simple nuisances. The more an infestation spreads, the more serious of a threat it can pose to your health and living environment.

Regardless of the type of infestation you're facing, our list of the best pest control companies in Durham can help you find the right pros to stop it.

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

Choosing the best pest control treatment plan for you is important. Along with a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you might also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.

Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.

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

While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the minimum competency standards for pesticide application, licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in North Carolina need to be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.

Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

An optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To receive this certification, a pest control company needs to both demonstrate that its practices are more environmentally friendly and maintain certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can also obtain other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up their work.

A pest control company can also hold membership in certain professional organizations. Membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps show that a company is reputable. The NPMA gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.

Professional Experience and Specialties

Browsing a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in business and what kind of pests it specializes in eliminating. Online reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.

Reviews and Recommendations

You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check its licensure status through the North Carolina licensing board.

Cost of Services and Guarantees

Cost is probably high on your list of priorities when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be influenced by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.

Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates as part of their process, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.

Safety and Treatment Methods

Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment may affect which provider and treatment methods you choose.

Safety

Ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what sort of precautionary measures they plan to take. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to provide you with information about all of the pesticides they plan to use.

Treatment Methods

You can ask if your pest control provider will start with lower-toxicity and more eco-friendly treatment methods before employing harsher chemicals.

Many companies are now using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce personal or environmental risk when treating pest infestations. The steps of IPM are as follows:

1. Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is required.
2. Decide on the safest course of action.
3. Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
4. Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
5. Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.

Common Household Pests in Durham

Some pests are seen more commonly in Durham, and these pests are the ones you should keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:

• Moths: If you've been noticing holes in your linens or clothing, it's possible that you have moths in your home. Moths prefer dark places like closets, and are more commonly found in warmer places (like Durham).
• Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might start noticing droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is stored.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout North Carolina and can cause major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs can be tricky to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest wallpaper, furniture, bedsheets, and more.

Sources

• EPA
• National Pest Management Association