Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
In Bethesda, where the summers can be pretty hot with average high temperatures of 63 degrees, pests can be a big nuisance. If the problem isn’t solved fast, you could end up with a bad infestation. This is why taking action the moment you see the pests, and also setting up routine pest control, is important.
We take pest control seriously. That’s why the team at Today's Homeowner has done the research and put together this list of the top pest control companies in Bethesda for you. Keep reading to learn more about each exterminator.
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Preventative pest control services
Reviews praise customer service
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Educational web content
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Free inspection policy
Lack of hidden fees
Services Offered
Educational web content
Timeliness of service
Proactive solutions for pest control
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Free inspection policy
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Timeliness of service
Free inspection policy
Consistently high customer service reviews
Transparent pricing
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Services Offered
Free inspections
Commitment to customer education
Consistently high customer service reviews
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Proactive solutions for pest control
Commitment to customer education
Free inspections
Services Offered
Lack of hidden fees
Free inspections
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Reviews praise customer service
Services Offered
Free inspection policy
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
Educational web content
Services Offered
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Proactive approach to pest control
Timeliness of service
No-cost inspections
Positive customer service reviews
Lack of hidden fees
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Positive customer service reviews
Free inspection policy
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:
The team at Today's Homeowner narrowed it down to these pest control providers by analyzing contracts, customer reviews, state availability, costs, pest control treatments offered, and more.
Here’s how the top pest control companies in Bethesda ranked:
Terminix’s headquarters are in Memphis, Tennessee, but it has branches in 45 states and several countries around the globe. It has also been in the industry for almost 100 years. With this experience, it’s easy to see why Terminix is a top choice for many homeowners.
Terminix is most widely known for its specialty termite services, but they help with much more than just that. Their other services include: rodents, ticks, ants, spiders, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and wildlife control such as squirrels, opossums, skunks, raccoons, and more. Terminix’s general pest regimen includes a home inspection and preliminary treatment, followed by three seasonal treatments over the course of a year.
Started in 1901 by a rat poison salesman named Otto, the Orkin brand has become one of the most trustworthy in the pest control industry. Its pest control specialists undergo 160 hours of training. And, because of its large network, it can usually offer next-day — or even same-day — visits.
Orkin’s typical pest control plan is its annual pest control contract. Orkin’s typical pest control plan is also quarterly, meaning your home will be treated several times during the year.
Rentokil is a service group with over 90 years of experience in the pest control industry. The company provides innovative pest control treatments for homeowners and business owners. Rentokil is the parent company of top North American pest control providers including Presto-X, Western Exterminator, and J.C. Ehrlich, which provide tailored services.
Rentokil and its partners deal with the following pests: flies, ants, bed bugs, spiders, mosquitoes, bees, crickets, cockroaches, wasps, and moths. Its services include preventative maintenance, treatment, and monitoring for pest infestations.
Not all pest control businesses are the same in reputation, background, and competence. Researching providers helps you identify the right choice for your pest problem. Here are the key factors to consider when hiring a pest control professional:
Look for a pest control company that has experience handling the type of pest you have, whether it’s termites, bed bugs, roaches, rodents, or something else. The company should be able to explain their approach for treating your type of pest.
When choosing a pest control company, look for technicians with certifications in pest control methods from respected industry associations, such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), on top of proper state licensing. The right credentials indicate that the technicians have completed adequate training. Also inquire about required training hours and continuing education.
Peruse reviews on Google, Yelp, and similar sites prior to booking a pest control appointment. Verify for yourself that the company reliably provides effective service and receives positive customer feedback. Also check the Better Business Bureau website for any complaints that have been filed. Ask whether technicians receive consistent education on the latest and most innovative pest control treatments. When you select a company from our list of the top pest control in Bethesda, you can feel confident knowing that you're hiring an expert that meets our quality and review standards.
Search for companies with “green” certifications to get more natural, eco-friendly pest control. You can also ask about gentle catch and release methods for larger animals like mice or snakes. Keep in mind that traditional treatments might be a better option for significant infestations. No matter your approach to pest control, any pesticides (besides those classified as minimal risk) must be registered with the EPA.
Quality pest control providers typically offer service guarantees for ongoing plans. The guarantees mean the company will come back and re-treat at no cost if you still have pests in your home after the initial treatment. One-time treatments don't typically include reservice guarantees.
After selecting your top exterminators, call each one and ask questions such as these:
Take the time to thoroughly analyze pest control companies 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 appear in different locations. In Bethesda, there are several that residents may deal with. We came up with a list of the most common pests in the city by analyzing what pests were frequently posted about on social media.
Our top picks for pest control companies are Terminix and Orkin. They're highly regarded in the industry and cover all common pests.
Hiring a pest control company and having a professional spray your property regularly is the best way to prevent future pest infestations. This deters insects and other wildlife from coming inside your house.
There are some pests you can control yourself. For example, if you see some ants or a stray wasp, chances are you can take care of it on your own. But some situations warrant bringing in the professionals. If you have a big infestation, you aren’t sure what the pest is, or would like preventative pest control, you should hire a pest control company.
In a city like Bethesda, where the cost of living is remarkably high compared to other cities, the cost of pest control is most likely a concern. How much pest control costs depends on several factors, such as what type 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, or even bi-monthly if needed. For larger infestations, your exterminator may recommend monthly treatments for the first three to six months.
