10 best pest control companies in Elk Grove, California

In Elk Grove, you may come across pests such as cockroaches, snakes and mice. You can take action yourself to avoid potential pest problems, but you may need to contact a pest control company if you are dealing with an infestation. Certified pest specialists in the Elk Grove area have the skills to inspect your home, apply appropriate treatments and resolve your pest problems.

Pests that infest your property put your home and family in danger. Insects and small animals can contaminate your food, cause irreversible damage to your home and spread disease.

Hiring a professional pest control company can reduce these risks. A pest professional will spot infestations and treat them with a range of methods, from closing entry points to using traps or chemicals. The right pest treatment can take care of your pest infestation for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Elk Grove

Look for pest control companies in Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove?

Different pests invade different regions. The following pests are common in the Elk Grove area, and these are some signs of an infestation:

• Flies: It's common to spot a few flies inside your home during the summer, but an excessive number likely signals an infestation. Flies leave feces resembling clusters of black dots by sinks, shelves, or trash. Finding maggots, which are fly larvae, in your trash also indicates an infestation.
• Bees: more bees inside or around your home, buzzing within your walls or dark stains on your walls maypoint to a bee infestation. You may also smell an odd odor coming from your walls, which happens as bees die or honey builds up inside, causing mold and fungi growth. Bees can easily harm your family or pets by stinging them and potentially provoking allergic reactions.
• Rats: You may have a rat infestation if you see a rat, find droppings about half an inch long or hear scratching in your walls or ceiling. Rats will also chew into food wrappings and chew through walls and doors to create entryways.
• Snakes: Snakes are more active during warmer seasons, nesting among wood, overgrown grass, rock piles and debris. Shed snake skins and snake eggs point to infestations. To test if you have a snake infestation, sprinkle flour on the ground where you suspect they're nesting. If you see snake trails in the flour, you know it's time to contact a pest control company.
• Ants: Many different types of ants can infest your home. Carpenter ants are drawn to wood, while fire ants like oily food scraps. Both types bite, unlike pavement ants, which can also commonly make their way inside. If you see a trail of ants in your home, it signifies a larger infestation nearby.
• Ticks: Ticks typically stay close to the ground outdoors, but they can easily get into your home on your clothing, shoes or pets. Once inside, a female tick will lay her eggs in upholstery, on curtains and in carpet fibers. You may also see nests along baseboards, in corners and even in the linings or pockets of clothing.

How can you prevent pests in your Elk Grove home?

A full-blown infestation probably needs professional intervention. However, there are things you can do before pests become a problem to prevent them from getting a foothold in your home.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals can wreak havoc on your home and health if not addressed promptly. Talk to a pest specialist about preventative measures to stop pests from entering your living space. Their recommendations may include sealing off access points, placing traps or applying pesticides around the area.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Since pests are often in search of sustenance, restricting their access to food sources will discourage them from settling in. Store food at least six inches above the ground and slightly away from walls. Ensure counters, sinks and food storage areas are clean and disinfected when not being used. Regularly dispose of food waste and other garbage, and keep the spaces near trash cans and dumpsters tidy.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can hide in trash, tall grass, standing water and leaves. Keeping your yard clear of debris and your lawn and foliage well-maintained is one of the easiest ways to stop an infestation before it starts. If professional lawn maintenance is needed, check if national lawn care services such as TruGreen are available in your region.

Seal off pest entrances

Sealing off access points into your home will help prevent insects and small animals from entering. Rats, for example, can wriggle into holes just half an inch in diameter. Repair cracks in your roof or siding, and remember to seal broken window frames. Some pest control providers offer specialized pest prevention services to keep critters out.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

To find a pest control provider 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 application of pest control substances under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Furthermore, the EPA mandates that restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors have certification in line with the agency's regulations as well as state, territorial and tribal legislation.

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 recommend 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 difficult to reach.

Pest specialists often suggest recurring treatments, some of which may be limited to the warmer months, while others occur 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 will take for your pest problem to be resolved depends on the type and severity of the infestation and the insect's life cycle. When the pest control professional applies the first treatment, you may see a decrease in activity, but pests can return after they hatch, requiring further treatments. You may also see increased activity after the first treatment, as it can flush pests out of hiding places. Luckily, this should subside within a few days.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You can stay in your home during certain portions of the pest control process, such as when holes and cracks are being sealed. However, if your service technician applies a pesticide, it might take several hours to dry, and you'll need to leave the house during this period.

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 service professional will know how much of a particular product to use, how long it takes to dry and when children and pets can safely return to the area that's been treated. Before applying any treatment, they should educate you on what you must remove from the affected space, such as animals, food and plants.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest exterminators offer environmentally friendly methods for addressing infestations. 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?

Many pest control services have guarantees and warranties in place to protect you if pests return before a predetermined date. These companies may offer a one-time treatment or continuous treatments to tackle a stubborn pest problem. Be sure to discuss the available options with your provider.

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.