Best Pest Control Companies in Tampa, FL

Living in Tampa means enjoying the sunshine, beautiful beaches and warm weather year-round. But with that tropical charm comes an unwelcome downside: pests. From termites silently damaging homes to mosquitoes ruining backyard barbecues, locals know that effective pest control isn't just a luxury — it's a necessity.

Common pest issues in Tampa 

Tampa's warm, humid climate and proximity to water make it a haven for many pests. In addition to spiders, mosquitoes, rodents and termites, Tampa residents have problems with gnats, silverfish and carpenter ants. You also might encounter palmetto bugs (large flying cockroaches often mistaken for water bugs) or lovebugs (harmless but annoying insects that swarm twice a year, usually in May and September).

	Logo Roach Often found in kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces and bathrooms. Infestations can contaminate food and cause health problems. Exterminators use boric acid, insecticides, baiting, fumigation and heat treatments.
	Logo Rat Rats and mice can be a problem in older buildings or areas with easy access to food. Infestations lead to property damage, diseases and fire hazards. Exterminators use traps, poison baits, fumigation and structural repairs.
	Logo Bedbug Common in high-turnover areas, like college dorms, hospitals and nursing homes. Infestations lead to red, itchy welts on the skin. Exterminators typically use heat and steam treatments, encasements and insecticide.

Pest control costs in Tampa

Tampa exterminator costs vary depending on the severity of your infestations. Expect to pay $150 and $500 for a one-time service. However, fixing an extreme bedbug, rodent or termite infestation can cost $2,000 or more. About two-thirds of homeowners who handled pests last year paid up to $1,000, and 30% spent up to $5,000, according to a ConsumerAffairs survey.

How much you pay also depends on the company and the frequency of visits. Before the pest control operator visits your property, you should get a free quote or estimate. You'll have a more detailed estimate once the technician arrives and completes an inspection.

How to hire an exterminator in Tampa

Most exterminators make it easy to contact online or by phone. Here’s what to consider before making your final decision. 

1. Know your enemy: First, narrow it down to exterminators specializing in your problem. When you get in touch, you will likely be asked where you see the pests, how often and if there is any visible damage.

2. Read reviews: A few negative reviews are normal, but a pattern of consistently bad experiences is a major warning sign. You can also ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.

3. Check credentials: You can confirm an exterminator or pest control company’s license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) also requires pest control companies to carry insurance — this protects you in case of accidents or damage. It’s another green flag if your company has additional certifications through organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

Reputable exterminators often display their license number on their website, vehicles or marketing materials.

4. Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three different exterminators. Make sure your estimates are detailed, including the type of treatment, frequency of and price of service visits and any satisfaction guarantees. Be wary of reviews that only praise low prices without mentioning the quality of service.

5. Ask questions: Ask if they use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, which focus on long-term prevention and minimize pesticide use. If you have children or pets, discuss safety measures and any necessary precautions. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification on any part of the contract you don't understand

6. Get ready: The exterminator might give pre-treatment instructions, like cleaning, decluttering or securing pets. If follow-up visits are needed, make sure you know what the schedule will be.

Pest problems need quick action

Minor issues like moths might seem harmless, but serious ones like rodents can threaten your family's safety and damage your property. Despite the potential for serious consequences, an estimated 12% of people say they would not be willing to spend any money to fight a pest infestation. And when faced with an actual problem, 17% of people say they take no action at all.

» MORE: Pest control statistics

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team considered pest control company services, availability and reviews to make our top picks.

• Customer reviews and testimonials: We analyzed more than 5,000 verified pest control reviews left on our site between January 2022 through January 2025. Companies with the most 4- and 5-star reviews from customers in and around Tampa were selected.
• Local services and availability: We gave preference to pest control companies with a variety of services and treatment plans available.
• Estimates, inspections and guarantees: We carefully compared the most important factors you should care about when hiring a pest control company or exterminator, including hours of operation, estimation and inspection costs, satisfaction guarantees and time in business.