Best Pest ATL is a free referral service that connects Metro Atlanta homeowners with independent, licensed and insured pest control companies. Below are straight answers about how referrals work, Georgia licensing, termite letters and bonds, treatment safety, and how often homes need service.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this service free?
Yes. There's no cost to you to request help. Pest control companies in our network pay for referrals. You only pay the company you hire, and you're never obligated to hire anyone.
Are you a pest control company?
No. We're an independent referral service. We pass your request to an independent, licensed and insured pest control company serving your area, and they contact you directly. Any inspection, contract, and treatment is between you and that company.
How fast will someone contact me?
For urgent problems like rodents in the house, bed bugs, or stinging insects near a doorway, the goal is a call back as soon as possible during business hours. While you wait, save a photo or sample of the pest, keep kids and pets away from nests or mounds, and hold off on foggers.
Does Georgia license pest control companies?
Yes. Under Georgia's Structural Pest Control Act, companies that perform structural pest control for hire are generally required to be licensed through the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission involved in setting standards. Ask any company for its license information and proof of insurance.
What is a termite letter?
A termite letter is the common name for a wood infestation inspection report, typically on Georgia's official form, that a licensed pest control company prepares during a home sale. It notes visible signs of termites and other wood-destroying organisms and conditions that could invite them.
Are pest control treatments safe for kids and pets?
Pesticides must be used according to their label directions, which include safety precautions. Ask the company what products it will use, where, and how long kids and pets should stay away from treated areas. Keep baits and bait stations out of reach, and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 with any exposure concerns.
Should I try DIY treatments first?
Sealing gaps, fixing moisture problems, and removing food and standing water help with almost any pest. Be careful with store-bought products: foggers don't work well on bed bugs or German roaches, sprays can scatter ant colonies, and termites generally need a licensed professional.
How often should my home get pest control service?
Many companies offer quarterly plans for Metro Atlanta homes, with callbacks between visits if pests return. Homes with heavy pressure, such as wooded lots or damp crawlspaces, sometimes need more frequent service.
What is a termite letter in Georgia?
A termite letter is the common name for a wood infestation inspection report, typically on Georgia's official form, prepared by a licensed pest control company. It's often required by the purchase contract or lender when a home is sold.
When is mosquito season in Atlanta?
Mosquitoes are typically active from spring through fall in Metro Atlanta, with the heaviest activity during warm, humid summer months. Mild stretches can extend the season.
How small a hole can a mouse get through?
Mice can squeeze through a gap about the size of a dime, and rats through one about the size of a quarter, which is why sealing small openings matters.
What is a palmetto bug?
"Palmetto bug" is a Southern nickname usually used for large outdoor roaches such as the American cockroach. They often live outside or in damp crawlspaces and wander indoors.
Do bed bugs mean my house is dirty?
No. Bed bugs feed on blood, not dirt or food waste, and they're found in clean homes and upscale hotels alike. They spread by hitchhiking on luggage, furniture, and clothing.
Why do ants come inside after it rains?
Heavy rain can flood outdoor nests and drive ants to look for drier, higher ground, and dry spells can send them searching for water. Both can bring trails into kitchens and bathrooms.