Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
There’s a wide range of pests to keep an eye out for in Ames and, unfortunately, they will often end up inside your home. If the issue isn’t solved as soon as possible, you could end up with a bad infestation. This is why taking action when you see the pests, and also arranging routine pest control, is important.
We take pest control seriously. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team has done the work and ranked the best pest control companies in Ames for you. Read on to learn more about each exterminator.
Offerings of preventative treatments
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
No-cost inspections
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Services Offered
Lack of hidden fees
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Consistently high customer service reviews
Free inspection policy
Services Offered
Positive customer service reviews
Punctual arrival
Free inspections
Lack of hidden fees
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Proactive solutions for pest control
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Consistently high customer service reviews
No-cost inspections
Punctuality
Services Offered
Preventative pest control services
Positive customer service reviews
Free inspection policy
Educational web content
Services Offered
Free inspection policy
Lack of hidden fees
Positive customer service reviews
Educational web content
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Positive customer service reviews
Free inspection policy
Commitment to customer education
Services Offered
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Reviews praise customer service
Commitment to customer education
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Transparent pricing
Reliable exterminators
Positive customer service reviews
No-cost inspections
Services Offered
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Proactive solutions for pest control
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on pest control companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
We've narrowed down the top pest control experts so you can find the best provider for you. We assessed state availability, costs, contracts, customer reviews, pest control treatments offered, and more.
Here’s how Ames’s top companies ranked:
Terminix has 300 branches in more than 22 countries and has been in business for over 90 years. Terminix has received multiple awards for its service, including Pest Control Technology Magazine’s Top 100 Pest Control Companies, Watauga County Best of the Best, and Triad's Best Exterminator.
Terminix’s specialty is termites, but they take care of much more than that. Their other services include: ticks, mosquitoes, ants, rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and wildlife control including opossums, skunks, squirrels, raccoons, and more. Along with pest control, Terminix has other services, such as mechanical exclusion, home disinfection services, attic insulation, and moisture control.
Orkin Pest Control’s headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the longest-running pest control companies with a expansive network of branches. Its pest control specialists have to undergo 160 hours of training. Plus, because of its big network, it can often offer next-day — or even same-day — visits.
Orkin deals with many common pests, such as ants, cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish. Once the first treatment, your Orkin exterminator will follow up to make sure the pests haven’t returned. If they have, your local technicians can assist.
Founded in 1925, Rentokil has nearly a century’s worth of experience exterminating pests. In North America, Rentokil is the parent company of several local pest control branches like J.C. Ehrlich, Presto-X, and Western Exterminator.
Rentokil and its partners take care of the following pests: bed bugs, wasps, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, flies, moths, bees, crickets, and spiders. Its services include preventative maintenance, treatment, and monitoring for pest infestations.
Not all pest control providers are the equal in credibility, experience, and capability. Vetting businesses helps you identify the right choice for your pest issue. Focus on these key factors when selecting a pest control company:
You should look for a pest control company that primarily handles the pest you have, like rodents, roaches, bed bugs, or termites. The company should provide an overview of how they treat your type of pest.
When choosing a pest control company, look for technicians that are licensed by the state and certified in pest control methods by industry associations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Possessing these credentials indicates that the technicians have adequate training. Ask the company about the training hours required for its technicians as well as its policies for continuing education.
Read online reviews on Google and Yelp before committing to a pest control provider. This can help you determine for yourself whether the company consistently provides quality service and positive experiences. Also check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints. Ask the provider whether technicians receive consistent training to stay current on the most up-to-date pest control methods. When you choose a provider from our list of Ames' best pest control, you can feel confident knowing that you're hiring an expert that meets our quality and review standards.
Search for providers that have “green” accreditations to get more natural, eco-friendly pest control. You can also ask about humane trapping programs that don't harm pests like mice or squirrels. Keep in mind that stronger methods might be a better option for major infestations. Whether you choose eco-friendly or traditional options, any pesticides (besides those classified as minimal risk) must be registered with the EPA.
Leading pest control professionals typically offer service guarantees for ongoing plans. The guarantees mean if pests remain after the initial treatment, the company will return and re-treat your home for free until the infestation is handled. One-time treatments may not come with reservice guarantees.
After choosing your top pest control companies, reach out to each one with questions such as these:
Take the time to thoroughly assess pest control providers using these questions. This will help you choose the best provider to safely and successfully eliminate your pest problem at a fair price.
Different pests come up in different locations. In Ames, there are several that residents may deal with. We compiled a list of the most common pests in the city by analyzing which pests were frequently mentioned on social media platforms.
Our top picks for pest control companies in Ames are Orkin and Terminix. They're well known in the industry and cover all common pests.
Hiring a pest control company and getting a professional to spray your property routinely is the best way to prevent future pest infestations. This deters insects and other wildlife from coming inside your home.
The key to finding the right pest control company for you is to get in touch with several companies and get estimates from them. You should also make sure you read reviews to check their reputation and customer satisfaction.
Pest control involves getting rid of unwanted insects like termites, rodents, and other unwanted bugs or animals from your home. When you hire a pest control company, a professional exterminator will do an inspection. Then they will use various techniques to get rid of the pests and stop them from coming back, such as chemical or natural sprays, bait, and traps.
In a city like Ames, where the cost of living is above average compared to other cities, the cost of pest control is most likely a concern. The cost of pest control varies based on several factors, such as what kind of pests you have an issue with and how bad the infestation is. A single visit can cost between $300 and $500, while a quarterly treatment plan is typically cheaper — around $100 to $300 a visit.
We advise quarterly pest control treatments, or even bi-monthly if needed. For larger infestations, your exterminator may recommend monthly treatments for the first three to six months.
