10 best pest control companies in El Monte, California

Pests commonly seen in El Monte are cockroaches, flies and ants. You can take action yourself to prevent potential pest problems, but you may need to reach out to a pest control company if you already have an infestation. Qualified pest exterminators in El Monte know how to accurately identify pests, apply suitable treatments and resolve your pest problem.

Pests that invade your property put your home, family and pets in danger. Insects and small animals can spread disease, damage the structure of your home and contaminate food.

Hiring a professional pest control company can lower these risks. A technician will locate nesting areas, and create an extermination plan, using methods such as blocking holes, capturing pests or applying chemicals. When the proper fixes are put in place, you can get rid of infestations for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in El Monte

Look for pest control companies in El Monte 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 El Monte?

While pests are all over, the hot spots for different species differ. If you think you have an infestation, here are some signs of common pests in El Monte:

• Flies: It's common to see a few flies inside your home in the summer, but an excessive number likely signals an infestation. Flies leave feces resembling clusters of black dots by drains, shelves, or trash. Finding maggots, which are fly larvae, in your trash also indicates an infestation.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches tend to be most active during nighttime and will flee when a light turns on. However, you may see them during the day if there is a serious infestation. They often nest in kitchens, basements and bathrooms. Signs of cockroaches include egg casings, droppings that look like brown or black specks and brown stains on walls and floors. Cockroaches can also spread disease and worsen respiratory issues.
• Snakes: Snakes are more active during the warmer months and make homes in wood, debris, overgrown grass and rock piles. Signs of a snake infestation include the appearance of snake skins and snake eggs. You can test for a snake infestation by pouring some flour out where you think a snake lives. If you see trail marks in the flour, get in touch with a pest control expert right away.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are flat, wingless, reddish-brown insects about the size of apple seeds. Found in multi-unit apartments and hotels, they can cling to belongings, such as backpacks, purses, clothing and used furniture. They hide in your bed and in cracks and crevices during the day then come out at night. When you have an infestation, you may spot the insects or find bloody marks on your bed or other furniture.
• Moths: Clothes moths and pantry moths frequently infest homes. Clothes moths eat wool and cotton, leaving tunnels, trenches, silky furrows and small tubes, which are larvae casings. Pantry moths make holes in plastic food packaging, leaving webbing in pantry corners and on or in dried goods. Moths are naturally attracted to ripe fruits, light and fermented sugar.

How can you prevent pests in your El Monte home?

While an infestation will typically require professional help, the best way to avoid pest infestations is to take preventative measures.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Left uncontrolled, bugs and small animals can significantly harm your home and well-being. Discuss preventive options with a pest control service to stop infestations before they start. Experts may suggest that you set traps, seal access points or apply pesticides in specific areas.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

As pests are usually looking for food, making food difficult to access will discourage them from infesting your home. Food should be a minimum of six inches off the floor and a modest distance away from the walls. Make sure to keep counters, food storage areas and sinks clean and sanitized when not in use, and dispose of food scraps and other trash consistently. Maintain the areas around your trash cans and dumpsters.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Pests can take refuge in tall grass, leaves, standing water and trash in your yard. One of the easiest methods to avoid an infestation is to keep your yard debris-free and properly maintained with a neatly trimmed lawn 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 entry points will discourage insects and small animals from coming inside. Rats, for instance, can squeeze into holes as little as a half-inch in diameter. Don't neglect cracks 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?

When selecting a pest control provider, ask the following questions to verify they have the skills to handle your unique situation.

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors pest control chemical use through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. In addition, restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be certified according to EPA requirements and the laws of relevant 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 infestation severity, treatment type, pest type and property location. Generally, pest control companies do not recommend only a single treatment, since insects are often at different stages of their life cycle, and may have laid eggs in difficult-to-reach areas.

Pest pros typically suggest recurring treatments, some of which may only occur during the warmer months, while others are year-round. They may also suggest bimonthly or quarterly preventative treatments to stop an infestation before it starts.

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

The time needed to solve your pest issue will vary based on the nature and extent of the infestation, along with the pest's life cycle. After the pest control specialist applies the initial treatment, you may notice less pest activity. However, pests might reappear once they hatch, warranting extra treatments. Alternatively, you may see more pests following the first treatment, as it can force pests out of their hiding places. The good news is this should subside within a few days.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You can stay in your home during certain portions of the pest control process, such as when entry points are 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.

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 apply 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 let you know what items you must clear from the space such as plants, food and animals before beginning the treatment.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Certain pest specialists provide green solutions for managing infestations. These companies employ methods that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Some examples of eco-friendly pest control include sealing up gaps for pests, setting catch-and-release traps for rodents, and using pesticides derived from organic ingredients.

What do I do if pests come back?

Most pest control companies provide guarantees and warranties in the event that pests reappear before a specific date. To resolve a returning pest issue, specialists may offer a one-time treatment or ongoing treatments. Consult with your service provider to learn about the treatments they offer.

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.