Getting to the Root of the Problem: A Smarter Way to Control Pests

We sat down with Tom McElroy, owner of Montana-based Pro Pest & Wildlife Control Services, to learn how he tackles the toughest pest problems by focusing on the root cause, not just surface-level fixes.

After 30 years in the industry, Tom McElroy has earned a reputation for solving the pest problems no one else can. He’s seen it all, from rodent infestations to rattlesnakes and bed bugs to moths destroying priceless taxidermy collections. And more often than not, by the time someone calls him, they’ve already tried everything else.

“They’ve bought sprays, set traps, maybe even hired someone—but the pests keep coming back,” Tom says. “That’s when I get the call.”

What sets Tom apart isn’t just experience, it’s his investigative approach.

The root cause is being missed

“Most solutions, whether DIY or professional, focus on what you can see,” Tom explains. “But if you don’t understand why the problem is happening—where the pests are coming from or what’s drawing them in—you’re just treating symptoms, not the source.”

Tom brings a scientific lens to every job. He uses pheromone monitoring, exclusion techniques, and even DNA testing in cases like suspected bed bugs, where visual confirmation isn’t enough. That kind of precision is especially critical in environments where safety and sanitation matter, like commercial kitchens, healthcare settings, or homes with children and pets.

Quick fixes lead to long-term damage

While a spray might seem like a simple solution, pests can do far more than annoy. Rodents chew wiring and insulation. Birds and bats damage attics and vents. Moths and beetles can quietly destroy valuable taxidermy mounts or fabrics without anyone realizing it, until it’s too late.

“I’ve seen high-end homes with major attic damage, businesses facing compliance issues, and collectors with irreplaceable mounts nearly ruined,” Tom says. “In many of those cases, it could’ve been prevented with the right plan in place.”

Every property deserves a custom plan

Tom doesn’t believe in cookie-cutter programs. From homes and cabins to manufacturing facilities and trophy rooms, he creates tailored solutions that consider the structure, environment, and season.

“The environment matters. The structure matters. The season matters. I don’t do one-size-fits-all. I figure out what’s happening at your property and build a plan that actually works.”

That plan might include seasonal monitoring, structural sealing, attic treatments, or custom deterrents for birds, bats, snakes, or voles. And once a problem is under control, clients prefer ongoing maintenance pest programs to ensure the problem does not come back.

A guarantee that goes further

Tom’s work is built on trust, transparency, and a results-first mindset.

“If I take the job, I will fix the problem. If weather interferes or it takes more time, I come back until it’s resolved. I don’t stop until the issue is gone, and you feel confident it’s not coming back.”

For homeowners, business owners, and collectors alike, Pro Pest & Wildlife Control Services offers more than a treatment—it delivers peace of mind, real solutions, and long-term protection. To learn more or to schedule a professional evaluation, call Tom at 406-868-1709 or visit propestandwildlifecontrol.com.