10 best pest control companies in Bell, California

In Bell, you might encounter pests such as flies, snakes and bees. Taking preventative measures by yourself can help you stop pest issues, but calling a pest control company is advisable if you spot signs of an existing infestation. A professional pest control service in Bell can safely diagnose, address and solve your pest problems.

Pest infestations pose risks to your home, family and pets. Insects and small animals can pass on disease, damage your home's structure and contaminate food.

Hiring pest control pros can substantially lower the damage from an infestation. These specialists identify infestation hot spots and create tailored treatment plans that may include closing off gaps, using traps or spraying chemicals. When the proper fixes are implemented, you can get rid of infestations for good.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Bell

Look for pest control companies in Bell 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 Bell?

Though pests are found everywhere, they don't equally impact the same regions. Check for the following indications of common Bell pests to determine whether you have an infestation:

• Flies: Flies often buzz around homes in the summer, but a noticeable increase could mean an infestation. Fly droppings look like black specks and are often found in around trash, sink drains and high shelves. Another sign of an infestation is finding maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.
• Mosquitos: Standing water lures mosquitoes, so you’re at a higher risk of an infestation if you live in a humid climate or have bodies of water nearby. Mosquitoes are nocturnal — as the sun goes down, they emit a loud buzzing noise and feed. You may not notice a bite until a few hours later, at which point the area around the bite appears raised and becomes itchy. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and West Nile.
• Snakes: Snakes commonly nest among rock piles, overgrown grass, wood and debris and are more active during the warmer months of the year. Signs of a snake infestation include snake eggs and shed snake skins. To test for a snake infestation, sprinkle flour near where you suspect a snake is nesting. If you find a trail through the flour, contact a pest control professional right away.
• Fleas: If your pet is always scratching itself, and has black specks on its skin, you might have a flea infestation. Although fleas do not inhabit human skin or hair, they jump up to bite, especially around the ankles. Fleas can transmit various diseases, including bubonic plague.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are wingless insects about the size and shape of apple seeds. They have a flat reddish-brown appearance. Apartment complexes and hotels can harbor them and follow you home by getting into clothing, purses, backpacks and used furniture. They nest in beds and couches by day, then bite at night. If you see the insects themselves or find blood stains on your bedding or mattress, you may have a bed bug infestation.
• Spiders: A increasing number of spiderwebs in your home is the strongest sign of a spider infestation. A variety of insects in the area for spider food and the presence of egg sacs are some more signs you may have a spider problem. Most spiders you may find in your home don't pose a health risk, with the exception of the black widow and brown recluse. Both are venemous and can deliver painful bites that require medical attention.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches tend to be nocturnal and will run away when a light turns on. However, you may see them during the day if you have a serious infestation. They often nest in basements, kitchens and bathrooms. Signs of cockroaches include droppings that look like brown or black specks, egg casings and brown stains on walls and floors. Cockroaches can also spread disease and worsen respiratory issues.

How can you prevent pests in your Bell home?

Getting rid of pests isn’t easy, but a good defense is always the best offense. While an infestation usually requires professional help, there are steps you can take on your own to reduce the risk of infestations.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals can cause significant damage to your home and health if not addressed swiftly. Talk to a pest specialist about preventative measures to stop pests from entering your home. Their recommendations may include sealing off cracks and holes, placing traps or applying pesticides around the area.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Because pests commonly seek out food sources, limiting their food access will prevent them from infesting your home. Place food at least half a foot above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep food storage areas, counters and sinks clean and disinfected when not in use. Dispose of food scraps and other garbage consistently, and keep the areas around trash cans and dumpsters neat.

Keep up with yard maintenance

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

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off entry points will prevent insects and small animals from coming inside. Rats, for example, can squeeze into holes as small as a half-inch in diameter. Don't neglect holes in your roof or siding, and remember to seal up broken window frames. Some pest control services specialize in pest exclusion.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

Ask the following questions to ensure you get a pest control provider that can address your specific needs.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the use of pest control chemicals. Moreover, the EPA requires restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors to hold certifications in line with the agency's standards and the laws of the affected states, territories and tribes.

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?

A pest expert's recommended treatment frequency will be determined by factors such as the treatment type, property location, infestation severity and pest type. Generally, pest control providers do not recommend only a single treatment, since insects are often at different phases of their life cycle, and may have laid eggs in difficult-to-reach places.

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

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

How long it takes for your pest problem to disappear will vary based on the infestation type and extent, as well as the insect's life cycle. When the pest control professional applies the first treatment, you may see a decline in activity, but pests could resurface after hatching, requiring supplementary treatments. On the other hand, you might notice increased activity after the first treatment, as it can force pests from their hiding spots. Fortunately, this should subside within a few days' time.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You can 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 along with your family and pets while you wait for the pesticide to dry. This typically takes 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 remove from the space such as food, animals and plants before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest specialists offer environmentally friendly methods for managing infestations. This involves using methods that don't impact the environment as much as conventional chemical approaches. Eco-friendly pest control methods may include sealing potential entry points where pests can gain access, using catch-and-release traps or applying pesticides made from natural sources.

What do I do if pests come back?

Most pest control providers offer guarantees and warranties should pests reappear before a specified date. Some companies may provide a single treatment, while others offer continuous service to address recurring pest issues. Discuss the options available with your service professional.

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.