10 best pest control companies in Lancaster, California

Pests such as mosquitos, ants and rats can easily make their way into living spaces in Lancaster. While you can try DIY removal and prevention methods, an active infestation often requires the attention of a pest control expert. Qualified pest experts in the Lancaster area have the skills to inspect your home, apply appropriate treatments and resolve your pest problems.

A pest infestation can lead to damage to your property and pose health risks to you and your loved ones, including your pets. Insects and small animals can cause irreversible damage to your home, contaminate foods and spread disease.

A reputable pest control company can reduce these risks. They'll determine where pests have nested, and tailor a treatment plan that could include blocking access points, using traps or spraying chemicals. The right pest solution can take care of your pest infestation for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Lancaster

Look for pest control companies in Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

Though pests exist everywhere, they don't equally impact the same regions. Here are some indications of common pests in the Lancaster area.

• Snakes: Snakes are more active during the warmer months and make homes in wood, debris, areas withovergrown grass and rock piles. Signs of a snake infestation include the appearance of snake skins and snake eggs. You can test for a snake infestation by pouring some flour out where you think a snake lives. If you see trail marks in the flour, get in touch with a pest control expert right away.
• Ants: Many different types of ants can take over your home. Carpenter ants are drawn to wood, while fire ants like greasy food. Both types sting, unlike pavement ants, which can also commonly make their way inside. If you see a trail of ants in your home, it indicates a larger infestation nearby.
• Mosquitos: If you live in a wet climate or have large bodies of water nearby, you're at a higher risk for a mosquito infestation. Mosquitoes are drawn to standing water and become more active at night. As the sun sets, you'll hear a buzzing noise that indicates their presence. Bites may go unnoticed initially, but later on you'll find red, swollen spots. Mosquitoes can carry a variety of diseases including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are reddish-brown, wingless, flat insects about the size of apple seeds. Commonly seen in hotels, apartment complexes and hospitals, they travel on purses, clothing, used furniture and backpacks. They hide in the daytime in beds or cracks and crevices. Then they become active at night. You may have an infestation if you find the bugs themselves or blood smears on mattresses or other furniture.
• Mice: Mice that have gotten into your house might scurry by briefly or leave rice grain-sized droppings. Mice characteristically give off a distinct musky smell and damage household items by chewing through them. They build nests from scavenged materials and torn fibers. As mice prefer tight spaces, you may hear rustling inside your walls or ceiling.
• Flies: Everyone sees the occasional fly buzzing around their home during the summer months, but if you see an unusually high number, there’s a good chance you have an infestation. Flies leave feces that look like clusters of black dots and often appear near sink drains, high shelves and around trash. Another sign of an infestation is seeing maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.

How can you prevent pests in your Lancaster home?

A full-blown infestation probably needs professional intervention. However, there are precautions you can take before pests become a problem to keep them at bay.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Left uncontrolled, insects and vermin can significantly affect your home and well-being. Discuss preventive options with a pest control company to stop infestations before they start. Experts may suggest that you set traps, seal cracks or apply pesticides in specific areas.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Since pests are generally in search of sustenance, restricting their access to food sources will deter them from settling in. Store food at least half a foot above the ground and slightly away from walls. Ensure sinks, counters and food storage areas are clean and sanitized when not being used. Promptly dispose of food waste and other garbage, and keep the spaces near trash cans and dumpsters clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Pests can take refuge in trash, leaves, standing water and tall grass in your yard. One of the simplest methods to avoid an infestation is to keep your yard debris-free and properly maintained with mowed grass and pruned foliage. If you require professional landscaping services, find out if national lawn care providers such as TruGreen are available in your area.

Seal off pest entrances

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

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

To find a pest control company with the proper qualifications for your individual needs, ask the following questions during the hiring process.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the use of pest control chemicals under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Additionally, the EPA requires restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors to have certification following the agency and state, territorial and tribal laws.

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 plan a pest professional recommends will vary based on the particular pest type, the severity of the infestation, the specific treatment method and the location of the property. In most cases, pest control companies advise against relying on a single treatment to get rid of household pests, as there will likely be insects at various stages of their life cycles that may have laid eggs in hard-to-spot locations.

Pest control experts often recommend regular treatments, with some scheduled exclusively during the warmer months and others occurring throughout the year. To prevent infestations from taking hold, they might also propose preventive treatments once per quarter to stop new infestations from forming.

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

The time it will take for your pest problem to go away depends on the type and extent of the infestation as well as the pest's life cycle. After your home's initial treatment, you might see a decline in activity, but pests may reemerge after hatching, requiring additional treatments. Conversely, you could see a surge in activity following the first treatment, as it can force pests from their hiding spots. Fortunately, this should lessen within a matter of days.

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 entry points. 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 services take a particularly long time. During termite fumigation, the pest control company needs to erect a tent around your home for three days to apply the pesticide. You must stay elsewhere during that time.

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 plants, animals and food must be cleared from the area.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest control providers offer environmentally conscious methods for addressing an infestation. This means they use methods with a lower environmental impact than traditional methods. Some examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing up gaps for pests, setting catch-and-release traps for rodents, and using pesticides derived from organic ingredients.

What do I do if pests come back?

Most pest control providers offer guarantees and warranties should pests reappear before a specified date. Some companies may provide a one-time solution, while others offer continuous service to address recurring pest issues. Discuss the options available with your service professional.

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.