Best 10 Pest Control Companies in San Jose, CA

In any San Jose home, pests such as rats and bed bugs may give you cause for concern. These nuisance critters can damage houses and health, but licensed exterminators can help stop them in their tracks.

Below, discover our list of the top pest control companies in San Jose, who can help you handle any pest problem.

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. In addition to a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Finally, you'll likely want to look at 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 taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in California need to be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.

Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

Pest control companies can earn the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer additional certifications. While not required, these can help show that a pest control company is reputable.

There are various professional organizations that a pest control company can belong to. Membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps verify a company's reputability. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.

Professional Experience and Specialties

Looking at a pest control company's website can tell you how many years it has been in business and what kind of pests it specializes in exterminating. Local reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.

Reviews and Recommendations

You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, verify a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the California licensing board.

Cost of Services and Guarantees

It's important to think about cost when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be influenced by the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.

Companies will often offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.

Safety and Treatment Methods

Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when picking a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider that uses eco-friendly pest management treatment methods.

Safety

Your pest technician should be using pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic when possible. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. All pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.

Treatment Methods

Many companies are now exploring cleaner and greener pest management that can be implemented before (or in place of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:

1. Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
2. Decide on the safest course of action.
3. Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
4. Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
5. Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.

Common Household Pests in San Jose

Some pests are more common than others. In San Jose, common pests to be wary of include the following:

• Termites: Termites often come into your house from nearby piles of mulch, firewood, or rotting wood. If not stopped, they can cause significant damage and cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
• Ants: Whether they are larger carpenter ants or smaller soils ants, these pests are found in most of California. Carpenter ants can pose a bigger problem than their smaller counterparts because they can do damage to your house.
• Flies: You may see flies around sinks or in areas where you keep food. Flies might get into your house in San Jose throughout the year, but they're particularly common when the weather gets warmer.
• Spiders: Spiders usually prefer damp and dark places and are often found in attics.
• Mice: Telltale signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice tend to frequent attics or areas where food is kept.

Sources

• EPA
• National Pest Management Association