Michelle NatiAuthor
Michelle Nati is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She has written about home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 pest control companies that operate within 50 miles of Elk Grove. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
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.
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.
Different pests invade different regions. The following pests are common in the Elk Grove area, and these are some signs of an infestation:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Experts Ready to Help
To find a pest control provider with the proper qualifications for your individual needs, ask the following questions during the hiring process.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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