Best Pest Control Companies in Illinois Ranked

Dealing with unwanted pests is a common challenge for Illinois homeowners and business owners. Professional pest management services provide targeted solutions to eliminate infestations and prevent future problems, protecting your property and health. This guide explains the common pests in the state, the methods professionals use, what to expect from services, and how to find a qualified provider for your specific needs.

Pointe Pest Control

101 N Hickory Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Pointe Pest Control is a pest control company based near Chicago, IL, serving the Arlington Heights area. They provide pest extermination services tailored to address various pest problems effectively. The company operates from an office in Arlington Heights and focuses on delivering solutions to local pest issues.

5.0

4.9k Reviews

Eco Tech Pest Control

6271 W Howard St, Niles, IL 60714

Eco Tech Pest Control is a locally-owned, family-operated pest control company serving Chicago, IL, and the surrounding Chicagoland area. They specialize in controlling common household pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, and rodents, using environmentally responsible methods. Their approach includes Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which emphasizes prevention through exclusion and monitoring to reduce pest recurrence. Eco Tech focuses on eco-friendly pest control solutions that minimize harm to beneficial insects, wildlife, and the home environment while maintaining effective pest elimination.

5.0

3.0k Reviews

A.N.T. Pest Control

1200 S Cedar Rd #2D/E, New Lenox, IL 60451

A.N.T. Pest Control is a pest control company serving Chicago, IL, specializing in both residential and commercial pest management. They use safe and effective techniques to monitor and maintain pest-free environments, focusing on health-conscious treatments that are child and pet friendly. The company coordinates pest control services efficiently to minimize delays and ensure a comfortable, pest-free home or workplace. Certified technicians provide thorough inspections and applications tailored to client needs.

5.0

606 Reviews

D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal, LLC

chicago

D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal, LLC is a pest control and wildlife removal company serving Chicago, IL, and the western Chicago suburbs. They provide services for both residential and commercial properties, including pest inspections, one-time treatments, quarterly pest control plans, and custom wildlife exclusion solutions. Their work covers rodents, raccoons, squirrels, bats, birds, and common household pests. The company also offers structural repairs and long-term exclusion to prevent future infestations, combining pest removal with prevention efforts.

5.0

349 Reviews

Landmark Pest Management

chicago

Landmark Pest Management provides science-based, environmentally-friendly pest control services in Chicago, IL, and surrounding counties. They handle a wide range of pests including ants, wasps, mice, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and wildlife, using humane and green methods. Founded in 1976 by a wildlife biologist, the company combines expertise from biologists and epidemiologists to deliver effective pest exclusion and control. Landmark offers a Complete Home Care program with year-round protection and 24/7 monitoring to maintain pest-free homes.

5.0

332 Reviews

See more providers in Illinois

Common Pests in Illinois

Illinois's diverse climate and landscapes create ideal habitats for a wide variety of pests that can invade homes and commercial buildings. Knowing what you're up against is the first step toward effective control.

Insects:

• Ants: Carpenter ants can damage wood structures, while pavement ants and odorous house ants are common nuisance invaders in kitchens ^{1 2}.
• Cockroaches: German and American cockroaches thrive in warm, humid areas like kitchens and basements, posing health risks ^{1 3}.
• Termites: Subterranean termites are a significant threat, causing costly structural damage that often requires extensive treatment ^{1 3}.
• Bed Bugs: These elusive pests are spread through travel and used furniture, requiring specialized heat or chemical treatments for elimination ^{1 3}.
• Stinging Insects: Wasps, hornets, and bees build nests in eaves, attics, and trees, creating a hazard during warmer months ^{1 4}.
• Spiders: While most are harmless, species like the brown recluse and black widow have venomous bites ³.
• Mosquitoes & Ticks: These biting pests are not just a nuisance; they can transmit diseases like West Nile Virus and Lyme disease ^{1 3}.
• Occasional Invaders: Stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and cluster flies often enter in large numbers in the fall to overwinter ^{3 4}.

Rodents & Wildlife:

• Mice and Rats: These rodents contaminate food, chew wires, and can spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella ^{1 5}.
• Raccoons & Opossums: Wildlife can raid trash, damage attics or soffits, and create noise and sanitation issues ^{1 6}.

The Professional Approach: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Reputable pest control companies in Illinois don't just spray chemicals. They follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, a comprehensive system endorsed by state guidelines that focuses on long-term prevention with minimal environmental impact ^{7 8 9}. IPM uses a combination of tactics:

1. Inspection & Monitoring: The process begins with a thorough inspection to identify the pest, locate entry points, and assess the infestation level.
2. Prevention (Environmental Control): Technicians advise on making your property less attractive to pests. This includes recommendations for sanitation, moisture control (fixing leaks), and yard maintenance (removing debris, trimming vegetation) ^{10 7 11}.
3. Exclusion: A critical step involves physically sealing cracks, gaps around pipes, and other entry points with caulk, steel wool, or weatherstripping to block pests from getting inside ^{12 11 13}.
4. Mechanical & Physical Control: This involves using traps (snap traps for rodents, glue boards for insects), vacuuming, or direct removal of pests and nests before considering chemicals ^{7 11}.
5. Targeted Chemical Control: When necessary, pesticides are applied strategically and selectively-such as baits in wall voids, dusts in crawl spaces, or perimeter sprays-rather than widespread application ^{7 12 13}. For severe infestations like termites or bed bugs, more extensive treatments like fumigation or whole-structure heat may be required.

Understanding Pest Seasons in Illinois

Pest activity follows strong seasonal patterns, which influences when you might need certain services ¹⁴.

• Spring (March-May): As temperatures rise, overwintering pests become active. This is prime time for termite swarms and ant foraging. Mosquito and tick populations begin to grow with spring rains ^{14 15 16}.
• Summer (June-August): This is peak pest season. Hot, humid conditions lead to explosions in populations of mosquitoes, wasps, hornets, fleas, and cockroaches ^{14 17}.
• Fall (September-November): Pests like rodents, stink bugs, and boxelder bugs start seeking warm shelter indoors, leading to a spike in invasion complaints ^{14 15 16}.
• Winter (December-February): While outdoor activity is low, indoor infestations of mice, rats, cockroaches, and bed bugs (sometimes brought in after holiday travel) can persist and grow in heated buildings ^{14 18}.

Service Types and Cost Considerations

Pest control services are typically offered in several formats, and costs in Illinois vary based on the type of pest, severity of the infestation, property size, and your location (e.g., Chicago vs. a rural area) ^{19 20}.

Common Service Models:

• One-Time/Corrective Service: A single visit to address a specific, active infestation. This is common for issues like a wasp nest, rodent problem, or ant trail.
• Recurring Maintenance Plans: These provide ongoing protection and are often the most cost-effective long-term solution. Plans are usually quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly, with technicians performing inspections and treatments during each scheduled visit to prevent new infestations from taking hold.

Estimated Cost Ranges: The following table provides a general overview of potential costs based on service type ^{19 20 21 22 23 24}. Always get a specific quote from a provider.

Commercial Services: For businesses, pricing is highly customized. It depends on the building's square footage, layout, industry (e.g., restaurant vs. warehouse), and specific risk factors. Most commercial pest management companies offer free, detailed inspections to develop a tailored plan and quote ^{1 25}.

Choosing a Pest Control Provider in Illinois

Selecting the right company is crucial for effective and safe results. Here are key factors to consider:

• Licensing & Insurance: Always verify that the company holds a current Structural Pest Control License from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) ^{10 4}. They should also carry liability insurance.
• Experience & Reputation: Look for companies with a proven track record in your community. Read online reviews and ask for references, especially for the specific pest problem you're facing.
• Inspection & Quote: A reputable provider will always conduct a thorough inspection before giving a quote or starting work. Be wary of companies that give prices over the phone without seeing the problem.
• IPM Philosophy: Ask about their approach. Companies that emphasize inspection, exclusion, and prevention alongside targeted treatments are typically using best practices ^{7 26}.
• Service Agreement Review: Carefully read any contract or service agreement. Understand what pests are covered, the frequency of service, warranty details, and cancellation policies. The IDPH provides guidelines on what to look for in a contract ¹⁰.

Preparing for a Service Visit

To ensure the most effective treatment, you can prepare your home or business:

• Provide clear access to areas like basements, attics, garages, and under sinks.
• Reduce clutter, especially in storage areas.
• Clean kitchen surfaces and store food in sealed containers.
• Note where you have seen pest activity (droppings, damage, live insects).
• Secure pets in a safe area away from the treatment zones.
• Ask the technician any questions you have about the process and any preparations needed after they leave.

Frequently asked questions

Sources