10 best pest control companies in Alhambra, California

Pests such as flies, ants and bed bugs can often get into houses in Alhambra. Implementing preventative measures yourself can help you avoid pest problems, but calling a pest control company is best if you have an existing infestation. Skilled pest exterminators in the Alhambra area have the expertise to inspect your home and treat your pest problem.

Pest infestations pose risks to your home, family and pets. Insects and small animals can cause irreversible structural damage, contaminate foods and spread disease.

Hiring pest control experts can substantially minimize the risk of an infestation. They'll identify where pests have nested, and tailor a treatment plan that could include closing off access points, using traps or applying pesticides. When the proper fixes are implemented, you can get rid of infestations for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Alhambra

Look for pest control companies in Alhambra 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 Alhambra?

Though pests exist everywhere, they don't equally target the same regions. Here are some signs of common pests in Alhambra.

• Flies: It's normal to find the occasional fly buzzing around your home during the summer, but if you see more than usual, you could have an infestation. Flies leave waste that looks like clusters of black dots near sink drains, on high shelves and around trash. The presence of maggots, which are fly larvae, in trash or other food waste also suggests an infestation.
• Mice: If mice have infiltrated your home, you might see one out of the corner of your eye or find droppings around the size of a grain of rice. Mice often damage furniture and have a noticeable musk. They construct nests with foraged materials and shredded fibers, and favor tight areas, so you may hear them in your walls and ceilings.
• Moths: Clothes moths and pantry moths often invade homes. Clothes moths feed on wool and cotton, leaving behind tunnels, trenches, silky furrows and small tubes, which are larvae casings. Pantry moths burrow holes in plastic food packaging and leave webs in pantry corners. Moths are attracted to light, fermented sugar and ripe fruit.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches tend to be active at night and will scatter when a light turns on. However, you may see them running across surfaces if you have a serious infestation. They often nest in bathrooms, basements and kitchens. Signs of cockroaches include brown stains on walls and floors, droppings that look like brown or black specks and egg casings. Cockroaches can also spread disease and aggravate respiratory issues.
• Termites: Termites feed on the cellulose fibers found in wood. They may be present in your home if you notice termite swarms, cracked or bubbling paint, mud tubes, droppings or wood that sounds hollow when you tap on it.

How can you prevent pests in your Alhambra home?

Fighting a pest infestation can be difficult, so preventative measures are the most effective way to prevent future problems. Though infestations often require expert intervention, you can take action to keep pests away before they make their way into your home.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Insects and small animals can cause serious issues for your home and health when left unchecked. The best way to stop these infestations before they start is to work with a pest control company. They may recommend plugging holes, laying traps or spraying pesticides in key areas.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Since pests are usually 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 food storage areas, counters and sinks are kept clean and disinfected 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

Insects, snakes, and small animals can hide in standing water, tall grass, leaves and trash in your yard. One of the easiest methods to avoid an infestation is to keep your yard clear of debris 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 ways will discourage insects and small animals from making their way indoors. Rats, for instance, can fit through openings as small as a half-inch wide. Be sure to address openings in your roof or siding and fix damaged window frames. Some pest control companies focus specifically on keeping pests out and can help you with this task.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

To ensure you hire a pest control expert that's equipped to meet your specific needs, ask these questions.

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 compliant with 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?

What treatment schedule a pest specialist recommends will depend on the pest type, property location, infestation severity and treatment type. Pest control services 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 challenging to get to.

Pest professionals generally advise continuous treatments, with some taking place only in the warmer months and others needed year-round. Preventative measures may also be recommended to stop infestations before they begin.

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 more 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 remain in your home for certain portions of the pest control treatment, such as sealing holes and cracks. 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.

Certain treatments can be especially time-consuming like termite fumigation. The pest control provider erects a tent around your home, which is left in place for three days to release the pesticide. During this period, you'll need to find alternative accommodations.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

A professional will understand the proper amount of a product to apply, the duration necessary for it to dry, and when it is safe for children and pets to come back to the treated area. Your pest control provider should tell you what items you must take out of the space such as food, plants and animals before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

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

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 single service or ongoing treatment to tackle a recurring pest problem. Be sure to discuss the 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.