Pests can be a big problem, but finding the best pest control company in Columbia doesn't have to be. Of course, the job for which you hire a pest control company may depend on your location. Any house in any city — including Columbia — may one day find itself dealing with an infestation of bed bugs, rats, or wasps.
While there are some projects around the house that you may feel ready to tackle yourself, taking care of pests is a job best left to the professionals. By selecting the best pest control company for the job, you ensure that your problem is taken care of effectively and safely. Take a look below to find our curated list of the top pest control companies in Columbia.
Our Top Pest Control Picks for Columbia, SC
Terminix
Terminix, founded in 1927, has nearly 100 years of professional pest control experience. And with over 300 locations, its technicians are ready to serve customers throughout the country. The company offers eco-friendly pest control solutions for a wide range of insects, rodents, and wildlife. Its headquarters are in Memphis, Tennessee. Terminix is most widely known for its specialty termite services.
Orkin
Orkin Pest Control is a division of Rollins Corporation. It's based in Atlanta, Georgia, and has over 400 locations worldwide. The company has been a leader in customer satisfaction since Otto Orkin founded it in 1901. It is the longest-running modern pest control company. Orkin offers indoor and outdoor treatments for all types of pests, but its commercial division is where the company stands out the most.
Rentokil
Rentokil is the world's largest and most widely recognized pest control company. The British service group represents hundreds of brands worldwide. In North America, the company currently owns nine, including Ehrlich, Western Exterminator, Anderson Pest Solutions, and Presto-X. Rentokil has been helping homeowners rid themselves of common pest problems for over 90 years. The company also has the largest presence in the commercial pest management space within the US. Its North American headquarters is located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
Local Pest Control Companies Near Me in Columbia
Walker Pest Management
Walker Pest Management is an exterminator serving Columbia, SC. These exterminators exterminate pest headaches such as: spiders, cockroaches, rats, mice, ants, fleas, bees, bed bugs, termites, and wasps.
Company Offers and Reputation:
Columbia, SC 29201-3065
Modern Exterminating, Inc
Modern Exterminating, Inc is a pest control provider working out of Columbia, SC. On their website, they say they remedy problems such as: termites, mice, ants, cockroaches, flies, fleas, and bed bugs.
Company Offers and Reputation:
Columbia, SC 29201-2034
Cayce Exterminating Company, Inc
Cayce Exterminating Company, Inc is a pest control provider working out of Cayce, SC. These experts exterminate pest issues including: ants, termites, mice, rats, spiders, bed bugs, fleas, and cockroaches.
Company Offers and Reputation:
Cayce, SC 29033-2133
Terminix Service, Inc
Terminix Service, Inc is a pest control company serving Columbia, SC. On their website, they say they treat problems such as: spiders, ants, wasps, ticks, bees, flies, termites, bed bugs, fleas, cockroaches, and beetles.
Company Offers and Reputation:
Columbia, SC 29210-5221
Carolina Pest Control
Carolina Pest Control is a pest control company serving Irmo, SC. They help with pest headaches such as: flies, ants, fleas, bed bugs, mosquitos, snakes, and cockroaches.
Company Offers and Reputation:
Irmo, SC 29063-8306
Clark's Termite & Pest Control
Clark's Termite & Pest Control is a pest control company based in Irmo, SC. They assist with nuisances including: spiders, snakes, bed bugs, cockroaches, mice, mosquitos, fleas, ticks, ants, termites, and wasps.
Company Offers and Reputation:
Irmo, SC 29063-9071
Simon Matthews Exterminating Co, Inc
Simon Matthews Exterminating Co, Inc is a pest control company active in West Columbia, SC. They assist with pest problems including: cockroaches.
Company Offers and Reputation:
West Columbia, SC 29170-1321
Common Pests in Columbia
Different companies around South Carolina are equipped to treat different sorts of pests. Some companies treat one specific type of common pest, such as bed bugs or termites. Before you choose a pest control company, it is a smart idea to make sure that they offer the particular type of services that you need. For example, you'll want to make sure you find a reputable and reliable exterminator to deal with a flea problem, particularly if you have pets. This goes double for Columbia, where fleas are a frequent nuisance.
Cost of Pest Control in Columbia, SC
The cost of pest control in Columbia can vary based on a number of factors. The square footage of your home and the variety of pest(s) you need taken care of will both influence the cost. Another major factor to consider is how many treatments your home will need. A one-time visit will be more expensive up front, while repeated or regular visits will cost less each time. It may be to your benefit to call the company that you intend to hire, as many will offer free estimates.
Is Pest Control Safe?
Ways to remain safe during the pest control process include the following:
Do your research and make sure you use a trustworthy pest control company, such as one from our list.
Keep children and pets out of treated areas until your technician tells you it is safe.
Make sure that your technician conducts a thorough inspection and treats only in the needed areas.
Can I DIY Pest Control in Columbia?
In specific instances, you might be inclined to try and take care of things on your own. In that case, there are certain safety factors you should consider. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is a list of things that consumers can do to be sure that their home pesticide application is as safe as possible:
Always read and follow all directions and safety warnings.
Exclusively use pesticides that are approved for use in residential homes.
Try to avoid mixing your own chemicals — buy pre-mixed ones whenever possible.
Make sure that all chemicals and containers are properly disposed of.
Whenever possible, employ lower-risk pesticide delivery methods such as baits or traps, or research other low-risk pesticides that are appropriate for your specific problem and location in South Carolina.
FAQs about Columbia Pest Control Companies
What pests should I be on the lookout for around Columbia?
There are a handful of pests that are more common in Columbia, including:
- Cockroaches
- Ants
- Spiders
- Fleas
What is the usual cost of one-time pest control in Columbia? What about recurring or preventative services?
In Columbia, a one-time pest control treatment will cost, on average, around $343. Preventative or regular visits will cost about $46 monthly. Other things that might affect the amount you pay are the size of your home and the sort of infestation you are dealing with.
How do I know that a pest control company in Columbia is trustworthy?
A legitimate, licensed pest control company must employ at least one licensed and certified commercial pesticide applicator, who has to maintain their own certification by participating in continuing education, per the EPA. All other applicators must be either licensed applicators under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, or certified themselves. States may have different additional requirements to maintain licensing and certification. You can request a copy of the company's license, and in Columbia you can verify a company's or technician's licensure and certification by contacting the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
You may also request copies of all pesticide labels for all chemicals the technician will be using. Pesticides must be registered by the EPA and state Department of Agriculture, although it's important to be aware that these organizations do not endorse specific companies or products. The labels of registered pesticides should list information about ingredients, safety, and proper application. Finally, you can do research on the company to learn how many years they have been in business, explore resources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see any past complaints that had been filed against the company, and request references from previous clients.
Can I take care of the problem myself instead of calling a pest control company?
Sometimes, you might be able to take care of an infestation yourself (in that case, see our list of tips above). However, hiring local Columbia experts to take care of your pest problem can mitigate factors such as expense, risk, and headache. Pest control companies are trained to identify the cause of the problem and know the best way to handle it permanently — attempting to take care of the problem on your own might leave you with recurring pest problems. In addition, hiring professionals to take care of everything means that you don't have to research, purchase, or dispose of chemicals yourself. Lastly, hiring a licensed pest control company means hiring someone who understands and adheres to safe pesticide use, which will benefit the health and safety of you, your home, and your family.
Is pest control safe around children and pets?
Your local Columbia pest control technician will follow safety guidelines to make sure that they take care of the infestation in the safest way possible. It is important to speak with them prior to the day of service, as the safety precautions they recommend may depend on the type and extent of the infestation. Your pest control experts might request that you remove all children and pets (including fish tanks) from the area before application of any chemicals, and keep them out for a certain amount of time after application. For safety, you should adhere to all recommendations made by your technician.
