Best 10 Pest Control Companies in Redwood City, CA

Many Redwood City homeowners are concerned about bed bug and rat infestations. Any pest can threaten both your health and property, but hiring a licensed local exterminator can give you peace of mind by stopping infestations and preventing future ones.

Whether your pest problem is large or small, our guide to pest control companies in Redwood City can help you choose the right team to take care of it.

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

The most important step is selecting the best pest control professional for the job. Important factors can include the company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.

Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.

Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?

While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide application, licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in California should be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.

Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

Obtaining additional optional certifications can help prove that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Other certifications can be earned through trade organizations like QualityPro.

There are various professional organizations that a pest control company can belong to. Becoming a member of an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to resources and education, plus a professional network to compare best practices with. Belonging to organizations like these is not required, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.

Professional Experience and Specialties

You can gain some insight into a pest company's level of experience by looking at how long it has been in business. Local reviews and the company's own website can also let you know whether the company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always contact the company directly to learn this information if it is not available online.

Reviews and Recommendations

You can check a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, explore reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the California licensing board.

Cost of Services and Guarantees

Things like the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors can all influence the price of pest control.

You can find out whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), as well as what kind of guarantees it offers. Often, a company will guarantee that if it does not resolve your pest problem, it will keep coming back until it does.

Safety and Treatment Methods

It's important to consider safety when deciding on a pest control provider, and you might prefer a provider who uses more natural, eco-friendly pest control services.

Safety

Be sure to ask your pest control technician if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what precautionary measures they plan to take. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to supply you with information about all pesticides they plan to use.

Treatment Methods

Companies looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:

1. Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
2. Determine the best and safest course of action.
3. Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
4. Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
5. Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.

Common Household Pests in Redwood City

In Redwood City, certain pests are more common than others. This list includes the following:

• Mosquitoes: You're more likely to face a mosquito infestation if your home is in a wetter area. They're also more common during the warmer months. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance—they can cause itchy bites and even spread diseases.
• Mice: Some common signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in areas where you keep food.
• Spiders: Spiders usually prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in attics.

Sources

• EPA
• National Pest Management Association