Find a pest control company in Chicago, IL
A pest control company finds and treats insects, rodents and other pests in homes and businesses. Treatments use pesticides, traps and sealing, so a licensed applicator should do the work. People call one for roaches, mice, bed bugs, termites, ants or wasps.
How many pest control companies are in Chicago?
The Census Bureau counted 9 pest control companies with employees in Chicago, IL ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Cook County has 108, or 2.1 per 100,000 residents: fewer than the US rate of 4.6, and 151st of 164 large US cities per resident.
Another 131 self-employed businesses in exterminating and pest control services are based in Cook County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 60659 (5), 60641 (4).
Half of Chicago's homes were built before 1952, and 54% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 9 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Cook County | 2.1 US: 4.6 |
| Rank among large US cities | 151 of 164 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 67% |
| Self-employed, Cook County | 131 Census NES 2023: exterminating and pest control services |
| Median year homes were built | 1952 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 54% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 2,707,648 ACS 2023 |
What do pest control companies in Chicago help with?
- Ant control
- Roach treatment
- Rodent control and exclusion
- Bed bug treatment
- Termite inspections and treatment
- Wasp and bee removal
- Mosquito control
- Flea and tick treatment
- Wildlife exclusion
- Commercial pest control
How do you choose a good pest control company in Chicago?
- Check the company's pesticide license with the state agency that regulates it.
- Ask for a written treatment plan with products, safety steps and follow-up visits.
- Ask how they keep kids and pets safe.
- Look for integrated pest management, which uses sealing and sanitation, not just spraying.
- Ask about guarantees and repeat visits.
- Get more than one opinion for termite or bed bug treatment.
Pesticide applicators and pest control companies are licensed by the states; ask for the license number and check it. See Illinois license rules and lookup.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What products will you use?
- How should I prepare my home?
- How long until it is safe for pets and children?
- How many visits will it take?
- What guarantee do you offer?
Red flags to watch for
- Claiming a treatment is completely risk-free.
- Long contracts before an inspection.
- Unlicensed applicators.
- Pressure for immediate termite treatment without showing damage.
What changes the price?
- Type of pest
- Size of the infestation
- Home size
- Treatment method
- Number of follow-up visits
- Repairs or sealing needed
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many pest control companies are there in Chicago?
The Census counted 9 pest control companies with employees in Chicago, IL in 2023, plus 131 self-employed businesses in Cook County.
Are pest control treatments safe for pets?
Ask the company for safety instructions. Many treatments are safe once dry, but follow the label and the technician's advice.
How long does bed bug treatment take?
It usually takes more than one visit. Follow the company's prep and follow-up plan.
Can I treat pests myself?
Small problems sometimes respond to traps and sealing. Large infestations, termites and bed bugs usually need professionals.
Pest Control Companies in nearby cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a pest control company.