Best 10 Pest Control Companies in Little Elm, TX

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

No matter your concerns, our list of the best pest control companies in Little Elm can help.

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

When choosing a pest control company, you want to find the best one for you. You might consider a company's qualifications and methods of treatment as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. And of course, there's the cost of services to consider.

Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.

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

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is overseen at the state level. All pesticide applicators and supervisors in Texas need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.

Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

Pest control companies can obtain optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. These certifications can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification recognizes comprehensive and effective pest control methods that are safer for humans and the environment.

Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in state-level organizations as well as national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). By being a member of these optional organizations, a company helps support its reputability and gains access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals to compare best practices with.

Professional Experience and Specialties

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

Reviews and Recommendations

You can check a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Texas licensing board.

Cost of Services and Guarantees

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

When considering the cost of services, you should first look into whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into a company's guarantees: If the problem is not fixed, or if it returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatment until the issue is satisfactorily resolved?

Safety and Treatment Methods

When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose one that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.

Safety

Ask your pest control provider if the chemicals they're using are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what sort 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 technician should be able to provide you with information about all chemicals that they plan on using.

Treatment Methods

Many pest control companies are now exploring more environmentally friendly pest management that can be implemented before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:

1. Identify the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
2. Determine the best and safest course of action.
3. Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
4. Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
5. Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.

Common Household Pests in Little Elm

You might encounter some pests more often in Little Elm. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:

• Termites: If termites get out of hand, they could cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Often, termites enter your home via nearby piles of firewood, mulch, or rotting wood.
• Spiders: You may find spiders in your attic or other moist, dark places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want an infestation of them in your house.
• Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you might start noticing droppings or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in attics or in places where food is kept.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Texas, and they can cause serious problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations can be difficult to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest bedsheets, furniture, wallpaper, and more.

Sources

• EPA
• National Pest Management Association