General pest control companies

About general pest control

Many homes see the same pests every year, such as ants in the kitchen in spring or spiders in the basement. General pest control covers these common household pests, usually through a service plan with regular visits. This guide helps you decide whether a plan makes sense for your home and what to ask before you sign one.

Signs a regular service plan makes sense

• You see the same insects every season, even after cleaning and store-bought products.
• Ant trails keep coming back to the kitchen or bathroom.
• You find cockroaches in the kitchen or bathroom.
• Spiders and webs keep showing up in the basement, garage and corners.
• You find droppings, shed skins or dead insects in cabinets or on windowsills.
• Insects gather on sunny walls in fall and work their way inside.
• You'd rather prevent problems than react after they start.

Everyday steps that keep household pests out

Pests come inside for food, water and shelter. Most prevention comes down to taking those away.

• Seal gaps around pipes, cables and vents, and add sweeps to exterior doors.
• Repair torn window and door screens.
• Fix leaky faucets and pipes, and dry out damp basements.
• Store pantry food in sealed containers and wipe up crumbs.
• Take out the trash often and keep lids closed.
• Trim plants back from the siding and stack firewood away from the house.
• Clean gutters so water drains away from the foundation.

If you use a store-bought product, follow its label exactly.

What a general pest control plan usually includes

The first visit starts with an inspection inside and outside. The technician identifies the pests, looks for where they get in and asks what you've seen. The first treatment is often the most thorough. It usually focuses on entry points, cracks and the foundation. A good technician also points out repairs or habits that would help.

After that, the company returns on a set schedule, often every other month or every quarter. Some plans include extra visits between scheduled ones if pests come back.

Check which pests the plan covers. Termites, bed bugs, rodents and wildlife are often separate services.

Price depends on the size of your home and lot, which pests the plan covers, how often the company visits, how bad the problem is at the start and how long the contract runs.

Questions to ask before you sign a service plan

1. Is your company licensed in this state, and how are your technicians trained?
2. Will you inspect my home before giving a price?
3. Which pests does the plan cover, and which cost extra?
4. How often will you visit, and what happens at each visit?
5. If pests come back between visits, will you return at no charge?
6. How long is the contract, and how do I cancel?
7. What precautions should we take for children and pets?
8. What should I do to prepare before the first visit?

Compare the general pest control companies listed above and read their reviews to see how each one handles regular service.