Pest control in Kansas

What to know about pest control in Kansas

Kansas sits in the middle of the brown recluse's range, and termites and mosquitoes are regular concerns too. Most of these pests are tied to the seasons, from spring termite swarms to summer mosquitoes. Knowing who licenses pest control companies in Kansas makes it easier to hire well.

Common pests in Kansas

K-State Research and Extension writes about these pests for Kansas homeowners.

• Termites. K-State says the eastern subterranean termite is the most common and troublesome termite in Kansas. Homeowners usually find winged swarmers in early spring, often after the first warm spring rains. Mud tubes running from the soil to wood are another sign. See our page on termites.
• Brown recluse spiders. This spider is most common in the central US, Kansas included, and it lives in and around homes. K-State notes that most homes within its range are infested. It is inactive from late fall to early spring, even indoors. See our page on spiders.
• Mosquitoes. The two main mosquitoes in Kansas belong to the Aedes and Culex groups, and Culex mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus. All mosquitoes breed in standing water, including water in old tires, wheelbarrows and pet dishes. See our page on mosquitoes.

Who licenses pest control companies in Kansas

The Pesticide and Fertilizer Program of the Kansas Department of Agriculture licenses pest control companies. Kansas law requires any business that performs pest control or applies pesticides on another person's property to hold a pesticide business license. For each category of work, the business must have at least one employee with a current Kansas commercial pesticide applicator certification. Read more on the department's pesticide business page, and check a company with its pesticide business search.

How to check a company before you hire

1. Look up the company with the pesticide business search and confirm it is licensed for the kind of work you need, such as termite control.
2. For termite work, ask which termite they found, what evidence shows it, and which treatment they recommend.
3. Ask how many follow-up inspections are included and what the warranty covers.
4. Get the treatment plan and any warranty in writing before work starts.
5. Read reviews from other Kansas customers. If you've hired a company, you can write a review to help your neighbors, and learn how reviews work.