Pest Control

Pest control that doesn’t drain your budget

The cheapest pest problem is the one that never gets in. Prevention, the right diagnosis and a fair comparison of service plans can keep costs down, and a licensed company can handle what you can’t.

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Get a free pest control quote

Seeing mice, ants, roaches or termites? Call a local pest control company to ask about an inspection.

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5 ways to spend less on pest control

Take away food, water and shelter

EPA’s pest control guide recommends prevention first: store food in sealed containers, fix leaks, take out trash regularly, and clear clutter where pests hide.

Source: EPA

Seal the way in

Caulk cracks, seal gaps around pipes and wires, repair torn screens and add door sweeps. These low-cost fixes can keep many pests out for good.

Identify the pest first

EPA’s Integrated Pest Management approach starts with identifying the pest accurately, because seeing one bug doesn’t always mean you need treatment, and the wrong product wastes money.

Source: EPA

Ask about one-time vs. ongoing service

Some problems need one or two visits; others, like termites, may need monitoring. Ask what the plan includes and whether you can cancel before signing up for recurring service.

Hire a licensed company

In Illinois, structural pest control businesses are licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Look the company up before it treats your home.

Source: IDPH

DIY or call a pro?

A few ants in the kitchen or an occasional mouse can often be handled with cleanup, sealing entry points and traps. Call a professional for termites or other wood-destroying insects, bed bugs, stinging insect nests near doors, or a problem that keeps coming back.

If you use pesticides yourself, EPA says to read and follow the label every time, use only products meant for the pest and the place you’re treating, and keep them away from children and pets. More isn’t better: using extra product won’t solve the problem faster and adds risk.

Comparing pest control quotes

Prices can vary a lot depending on the pest, the size of your home and the type of plan. Ask each company:

What pest did you find, and how do you know? Can you show me the evidence?
What will you do, which products will you use, and what should my family and pets do during and after treatment?
How many visits are included, and what happens if the pests come back? Is there a written guarantee?
Is this a one-time service or a recurring contract? What are the cancellation terms and any fees?
What’s your Illinois Department of Public Health license number?

Get the quote in writing, and read any service agreement before you sign, especially automatic renewal terms. If a plan renews automatically, put the renewal date on your calendar so you can decide whether to keep it.

Watch for pressure tactics

Be careful with door-to-door sales pitches that promise a deal only if you sign today, or that claim a serious infestation without showing you evidence. The FTC lists pressure for an immediate decision as a common sign of a home services scam. You can always ask for time to get a second quote.

Prevention schedule

Spring: Check screens, door sweeps and foundation cracks. Trim plants and branches away from the house.
Summer: Keep gutters clear and fix standing water that attracts mosquitoes.
Fall: Seal gaps before mice look for a warm place for winter.
Year-round: Keep food sealed, fix leaks, and store firewood away from the house.

Need a pro?

For termites, bed bugs or a problem that keeps coming back, call a licensed local pest control company for a free quote.

Call for a free quote

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Common questions

How do I check if a pest control company is licensed in Illinois?

Use the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Pest Control Business Search. You can search by business name or city.

Do I need a monthly pest control plan?

Not always. Many homes do fine with prevention and occasional treatment when a problem shows up. Ask what a plan includes, how often visits happen, and how to cancel before you sign up.

Are DIY pesticides safe?

They can be when you follow the label exactly. EPA recommends using the right product for the pest, using only the amount the label says, and storing products away from children and pets.

What is Integrated Pest Management?

It’s an approach EPA describes that starts with identifying the pest, monitoring and prevention, and uses pesticides only when they’re needed, in the way that is most economical and least hazardous.

Does MegaSavings get paid if I call?

MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you. The payment doesn’t change the price you’re quoted or the tips on this page.

Sources

More guides: Home Repair Savings · Home & Renters Insurance

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026