10 best pest control companies in Laguna Beach, California

In Laguna Beach, rats, snakes and ants are common pests. Implementing preventative measures yourself can help you avoid pest problems, but calling a pest control company is best if you notice an existing infestation. Skilled pest specialists in Laguna Beach know how to correctly identify pests, apply suitable treatments and resolve your pest problem.

Letting a pest problem go unchecked can introduce a variety of risks to you, your loved ones and your pets. Insects and small animals can contaminate your food, cause long-term damage to your home and spread disease.

Hiring pest control experts can substantially reduce the risk of an infestation. A technician will locate nesting areas, and create a treatment plan, using methods such as shutting off entry points, capturing pests or applying pesticides. With the right solution in place, your pest problem can be solved for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Laguna Beach

Look for pest control companies in Laguna Beach with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

What are common pests in Laguna Beach?

While pests are all over, the hot spots for different species vary. Here are some signs of common pests in the Laguna Beach area.

• Snakes: Snakes become more active when the weather is warm, nesting among overgrown grass, rock piles, wood and debris. Snake skins and snake eggs indicate an infestation. If you think you might have a snake, sprinkle flour in the suspected areas. If you see trails in the flour, reach out to a pest control service immediately.
• Rats: You may have a rat infestation if you see a rat, hear skittering in your walls or ceiling or find droppings about half an inch long. Rats will also eat into food wrappings and chew through walls and doors to create access points.
• Mosquitos: Standing water draws mosquitoes, so living in wet climates or near bodies of water puts your property at a higher risk of infestation. Mosquitoes are nocturnal and signal their presence through a high-pitched buzzing noise. Bites might not be instantly noticeable, but later the spots will become swollen and itchy. Mosquitoes can also spread diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and West Nile.
• Beetles: A variety of beetles can find their way into your home and cause considerable damage. Carpet beetles will damage upholstered furniture, carpets and bedding. Biscuit beetles make their way into products such as beans, pasta, seeds, rice and spices. While beetles are generally harmless to your health, some can trigger allergic reactions.
• Bees: Indications of a bee infestation include hearing the sound of buzzing or humming inside your walls, finding dark smears on your walls and seeing more bees than usual. An odd odor may also come from your walls. This happens when mold and fungi grow inside due to honey seeping into the walls or bees dying. Bees can also harm your family and pets, as their stings can cause allergic reactions.

How can you prevent pests in your Laguna Beach home?

Getting rid of pests isn’t easy, but a good defense is always the best offense. While an infestation usually requires professional help, there are steps you can take on your own to mitigate the risk of pests.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals are disruptive and can cause considerable damage to your home and health if left unchecked. Consult with a pest control company about taking preemptive measures to keep pests from invading your home. They may recommend sealing gaps, setting traps or spraying the area with pesticides.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Pests primarily seek food, so making food hard to reach will keep them on their way. Keep food a minimum of six inches off the floor and a bit away from the walls. Always ensure food storage areas, sinks and counters stay clean and disinfected between uses. Get rid of food scraps and other trash regularly, and keep your trash cans and dumpster areas clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Pests can hide in standing water, tall grass, trash and leaves in your yard. One of the easiest methods to avoid an infestation is to keep your yard clear of debris and properly maintained with mowed grass and pruned foliage. If you require professional landscaping services, check if national lawn care providers such as TruGreen operate in your area.

Seal off pest entrances

Sealing off small access points will deter insects and small animals from coming inside. Rats, for example, can squeeze into holes as small as a half-inch in diameter. Don't neglect gaps in your roof or siding, and remember to seal up broken window frames. Some pest control services specialize in pest exclusion.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

When selecting a pest control company, ask the following questions to verify they have the expertise to handle your unique situation.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors pest control chemical use through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. In addition, restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be certified in accordance with EPA requirements and the laws of relevant states, territories and tribes.

A Qualified Applicator License or Applicator Certificate issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation is required for pest control technicians to practice in California.

What treatment schedule do you recommend?

The treatment schedule a pest specialist advises will depend on the treatment type, pest type, infestation severity and property location. Pest control companies generally do not advocate for getting a single treatment to rid a home of pests, as insects are often at different points in their life cycle, and can lay eggs in areas that are hard to access.

Pest specialists often suggest recurring treatments, some of which may be limited to the warmer months, while others happen across all seasons. As a proactive measure, they might also recommend preventive treatments every two or three months to stop infestations from developing.

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

How long it takes for your pest issue to disappear will vary based on the infestation type and extent, as well as the insect's life cycle. When the pest control professional applies the first treatment, you may perceive a decline in activity, but pests could resurface after hatching, requiring supplementary treatments. On the other hand, you might notice increased activity following the first treatment, as it can drive pests from their hiding places. Fortunately, this should decrease within a few days' time.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You should be able to stay in your home for certain portions of the pest control treatment, such as sealing holes and cracks. Should your service provider use a pesticide, you'll most likely need to leave your home while you wait for the pesticide to dry. This can typically take a few hours.

Some pest control services can be particularly lengthy. During termite fumigation, the pest control professional must set up a tent around your home for three days to release the pesticide. Throughout this timeframe, you'll have to stay at a hotel or with friends or family.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

A skilled service technician has the knowledge to determine the appropriate amount of product to apply, the drying time required and when it is all right for children and pets to re-enter the treated space. Before administering any treatment, they should instruct you on which items such as food, animals and plants must be cleared from the area.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest control providers offer environmentally conscious methods for treating an infestation. This means they use techniques with a lower environmental impact than traditional methods. Eco-friendly pest control methods may include sealing off areas where pests can gain access, humanely trapping rodents or applying pesticides made from natural sources.

What do I do if pests come back?

Most pest control companies provide guarantees and warranties in the event that pests reappear before a specific date. To resolve a returning pest issue, specialists may offer a single treatment or ongoing treatments. Consult with your service provider to learn about the options available.

Our methodology for selecting pest control companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score. We review national pest control companies against our full pest control methodology. We score pest control companies based on service options, safety and certifications, service guarantees and customer service.