How to Get Rid of Any Pest in Your Home or Yard—for Good

The right expert can make quick work of a pest problem. Here’s what to know.

Exterminators
These pros can identify and eliminate insects and rodents by using chemicals. To find one, go to pestworld.org; check your state’s pest regulatory agency (often the state Department of Agriculture); or check the Better Business Bureau. Angi and HomeAdvisor can also offer leads. Angi says pest-control treatments run about $170. If you have pets, ask in advance about safety protocols.

Wildlife Control Professionals
These experts are trained to handle most small critters, including squirrels, bats, skunks, and snakes. Search the Find a Pest Pro section at pestworld.org; use a specialized directory, like the one at batworld.org; or find local licensed practitioners on Angi or HomeAdvisor. Companies such as Critter Control operate nationally. A wildlife-removal visit costs about $400, according to Angi. If an animal is endangering public safety, contact your municipality’s animal control department or your state’s wildlife agency.

Yard-Spraying Services
These companies might be listed as exterminators and can be found through similar directories. Call them for problems with ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. Some offer termite treatments, too. You may see familiar names such as Lawn Doctor, Mosquito Squad, Orkin, Terminix, and TruGreen. One mosquito treatment is around $250, but cost depends on the size of the property and the severity of the problem. Termite treatment ranges from about $240 to $1,000. Nest removal for bees, wasps, or hornets is typically around $525. Some companies advertise natural spraying services, but their products may have a “shorter efficacy period than synthetic products,” says Matt Frye, a rodent specialist at Cornell University. It’s a good idea to ask the company you’re considering how long it expects the treatment to last.

Fix-It People
They can fill cracks, add weather stripping, repair screens, and put up fencing or mesh to keep pests out of crawl spaces. Search on Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Taskrabbit, and read reviews to make sure the person you choose has the skills you need. Angi says you can expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for this kind of service.