“We keep seeing ants in the kitchen and a few mice in the garage. Who should we call and what should we ask”
— Kansas City homeowner
Pests love warm homes, food, and water. In Kansas City the seasons change fast. That means ants in spring, spiders and roaches in summer, and mice when it gets cold. You need a pest control contractor who will find the source, treat it, and help you keep the problem from coming back. This guide shows you how to pick a pro you can trust in Kansas City and nearby suburbs like Overland Park, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Waldo, Brookside, and North Kansas City.
Why this matters in Kansas City
Our weather swings. We get wet springs and hot summers across Jackson, Johnson, Clay, and Wyandotte counties. Many homes have older basements, small cracks, and wood that holds moisture. That invites ants, termites, spiders, roaches, and mice. A quick spray is not enough. You need a full plan that seals entry points, removes food and water, and uses the right products in the right way.
Signs you need a pro
- You see new droppings in the same places each week.
- You smell a musty or oily odor near walls or cabinets.
- You find wood that sounds hollow or shows small wings.
- You wake up to bites or itchy spots.
- You have young kids, pets, or health concerns and want safe treatment.
- DIY traps or sprays help for a few days but the pests return.
If two or more of these are true, call a vetted pest control contractor.
What to ask on the first call
Use this simple phone script:
“Hi, I live in Kansas City. We are seeing pests in the kitchen and garage. Can you inspect the whole house, find entry points, and give me a written plan with photos and pricing. I want to know what products you use, how you protect kids and pets, and what is covered under your warranty. I would like a schedule for follow up visits.”
Listen for clear answers. A good pro will talk about inspection, sealing, cleaning, baits, and treatment. They will not push a one size plan or a long contract without seeing your home.
What to expect in a written estimate
A strong estimate should include:
- Inspection details. Where they looked inside and outside.
- Photos of entry points. Gaps at doors. Cracks in the slab. Holes around pipes.
- Treatment plan by pest. Ants. Roaches. Mice. Spiders. Termites if needed.
- Product names and safety notes in plain words.
- Steps you will take. Food storage. Trash control. Caulking.
- Sealing and repairs. Door sweeps. Screens. Pipe seals.
- Follow up schedule. First month. Next quarter. Seasonal visits.
- Price by visit or by plan.
- Warranty terms and how to get service if pests come back.
Ask who will do the work. Ask if they run background checks. Ask if licenses and insurance are current. Ask for a copy of the warranty.
Simple steps you can do today
- Clean counters and floors. Wipe food and sugar right away.
- Seal dry goods in plastic or glass bins.
- Fix drips under sinks. Pests love water.
- Use a broom and shop vac along garage walls.
- Seal a half inch gap under doors with a sweep.
- Trim shrubs away from the foundation.
- Pick up pet food at night.
These steps lower pest pressure before the pro arrives.
What happens during a quality visit
A vetted pro starts with inspection. They look for trails, droppings, nests, and warm spots. They look at the attic, basement, and the outside foundation. They seal small gaps where pests get in. They place baits and traps where they are safe and effective. They treat hidden areas and set follow ups. They teach you how to keep food and water away from pests. They take photos so you can see progress.
Safety for kids and pets
Tell your pro about pets, kids, and anyone with asthma. Ask for low odor, targeted products. Ask about bait stations that lock. Ask where sprays will and will not go. A good contractor will explain safety steps in plain language and give you a list of dos and do nots for the first 24 hours.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hiring the lowest price spray and pray service. It may not fix the problem.
- Letting someone treat without a full inspection.
- Signing a long contract before the first visit.
- Ignoring sealing and repairs. Pests will keep coming back.
- Using foggers inside without expert advice. These can make things worse.
- Not asking for a warranty and photos.
How The Good Contractors Club helps
We connect you with Kansas City pest control contractors who are vetted for skill, service, and integrity. Licensing and insurance are verified. Background checks are completed. Warranties are strong and written. We cut out shared or fake leads Kansas City homeowners are tired of. You can contact vetted pros directly without forms or spam. You get fewer but higher intent matches so you can solve the problem fast.
For contractors who ask how to get clients as a contractor in KC
Do quality inspections. Explain the plan in plain words. Protect kids and pets. Stand behind your work. This is how you grow without overpaying for shared or fake leads. The Good Contractors Club supports honest pros who focus on results and reputation across Overland Park, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Waldo, and Brookside. If you do right by the homeowner, the work will follow.
Bottom line
Pest control is not just a spray. It is inspect, seal, clean, and treat. Choose a vetted Kansas City contractor who shows you the entry points, explains the products, and gives you a clear follow up plan. Ask for photos and a written warranty. Protect your family and your home in Johnson, Jackson, Clay, and Wyandotte counties with a plan that works.
GOOD CONTRACTOR directory: https://thegoodcontractorsclub.com/contractor-directory/