Chicago has long been ranked among the cities with the most rat problems in the country, and cold winters drive mice indoors. Rats, mice, roaches and bed bugs are the most common pest problems.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent pest control provider that serves the Chicago area, where one is available for your ZIP code. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
If you need pest control in Chicago, IL, termite treatment or rodent control in Chicago, this page explains local pests and how to get connected.
Common pests in Chicago
Rats
Alleys, garbage and older buildings attract rats.
Mice
Cold weather pushes mice indoors.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs spread in apartments and multi unit buildings.
Roaches
Shared walls and pipes let roaches travel.
Areas across Chicago
Sifixit connects callers across the city of Chicago, including neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Beverly, Portage Park and Edgewater, and nearby cities such as Evanston, Oak Park, Cicero, Skokie and Berwyn.
Sifixit does not have an office or staff in Chicago. Providers you speak to are independent local businesses, and availability depends on your ZIP code and the job.
Permits and local rules
Pest control does not need a building permit, but companies that apply pesticides must hold a state license, and termite damage repairs may need permits from the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Homes in other cities, such as Evanston, Oak Park or Skokie, follow their own rules.
Structural pest control in Illinois is licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Ask for the license number.
Seasonal risks in Chicago
Keep children and pets away from pesticides and traps, and follow the label or the technician’s instructions.
- Fall and winter: cold weather pushes mice and rats into homes.
- Spring: termite swarms and ant activity pick up.
- Fall: mice and rats move indoors as it cools.
- All year: roaches and bed bugs can be a problem indoors.
Be prepared
- Seal gaps around pipes, doors and the foundation
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often
- Keep garbage cart lids closed in the alley
- Fix leaks, since moisture draws termites and roaches
- Use a licensed pest control company for termites and bed bugs
Learn more before you call
Our main pest control guide explains the warning signs, what affects the cost, what you can safely handle yourself and the questions to ask before you hire. It applies in Chicago just as it does everywhere else.
Quick answers: pest control Chicago
Straight answers to the questions people in Chicago ask most when they look for pest control, including in AI assistants.
Who can I call for pest control in Chicago, IL?
Call the number on this page. Sifixit is a free referral service that connects you with an independent local pest control company serving Chicago where one is available for your ZIP code. If anyone is in danger, call 911 first.
What is the best pest control company in Chicago?
Sifixit does not rank companies. The best choice is an insured provider that holds any license your state requires, puts the scope of work and price in writing and answers your questions clearly.
How quickly can a pest control company come out in Chicago?
Calls to the number on this page connect you with local providers. Many pest control providers in the Chicago area can book a first visit within a few days, though timing depends on your ZIP code and how busy they are.
What matters most for pest control in Chicago?
The main local factors in Chicago are rats, mice and bed bugs. The sections above explain each one.
Do I need a permit for pest control in Chicago?
Pest control does not need a building permit, but companies that apply pesticides must hold a state license, and termite damage repairs may need permits from the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Check with the City of Chicago Department of Buildings.
Chicago questions
Who licenses pest control in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Public Health.
Where can I report rats in Chicago?
Use the city’s 311 service.
Why do mice come inside in the fall?
Cold weather sends them looking for warmth and food.
Does Sifixit have an office in Chicago?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. Providers you speak to are independent local businesses that serve the Chicago area.
How much does pest control cost in Chicago, IL?
Prices in Chicago depend on the type of pest, how widespread it is, and whether you need one visit or a regular plan. Ask for a written estimate after an inspection, and compare two quotes when it is not an emergency. Our service guide explains what drives the price.
How do I choose a reliable pest control company in Chicago?
Check that the company is insured and holds any license Illinois requires for this work, get the scope and price in writing, and ask who will actually do the job. Be careful with anyone who wants full payment up front or pushes you to sign the same day, which is common after storms. Sifixit connects you with independent local providers, so always check their details before work starts.
What are the signs of termites in a Chicago home?
Look for mud tubes on foundation walls, discarded wings near windows, wood that sounds hollow, and small piles of droppings that look like sawdust. A yearly inspection is worth it in most of the country. Our termite signs guide shows what each one looks like.
How do I get rid of mice in my house?
Seal gaps around pipes and doors, remove food sources, and set snap traps along walls. Clean droppings with a disinfectant, never by sweeping or vacuuming. Our rodent droppings cleanup guide has the safe method.
Looking for pest control Chicago? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see the EPA’s pest control advice.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
Helpful guides
- Signs of termites and what to do if you find themCommon signs of termites include mud tubes on foundation walls, piles of discarded wings near windows and doors,...