10 best pest control companies in Los Altos, California

Pests frequently found in Los Altos are bed bugs, cockroaches and rats. You can try DIY solutions to prevent potential pest problems, but you may need to call in a pest control company if you are dealing with an infestation. These certified pest experts in Los Altos can pinpoint the problem and resolve it effectively.

Letting a pest issue go unchecked can introduce a variety of risks to you, your family and your pets. Insects and small animals can spread disease, damage the structure of your home and contaminate food.

Hiring pest control pros can significantly lower the damage from an infestation. They'll identify where pests have nested, and tailor a treatment plan that could include closing off entry points, using traps or applying pesticides. 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 Los Altos

Look for pest control companies in Los Altos 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 Los Altos?

While pests are everywhere, not all of them infest the same places. The following pests are common in Los Altos, and these are some signs of an infestation:

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are active at night and tend to scatter when you turn on a light. Still, you may catch a cockroach or two on the run if you have an infestation. Their nests tend to be around basements, bathrooms and kitchens. Cockroaches often leave brown smear marks on walls and floors, and droppings that look like black pepper flakes around your home. Cockroaches can transmit disease through contamination and aggravate respiratory problems.
• Rats: You may have a rat infestation if you see a rat, find droppings about half an inch long or hear scurrying in your walls or ceiling. Rats will also nibble into food wrappings and bite into walls and doors to create entryways.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are flat, wingless, reddish-brown insects about the size of apple seeds. Common in hospitals, hotels and apartment complexes, they get into homes through purses, secondhand furniture, backpacks and clothing. They conceal themselves during the day in beds or cracks and crevices. Then they come out at night. You may have an infestation if you see the bugs themselves or bloody marks on mattresses or other furniture.
• Ticks: While ticks typically stay close to the ground outside, they can hitch a ride on your pets, shoes and clothes and make their way indoors. Female ticks will then lay eggs on curtains, in upholstery or in carpet fibers once inside your home. They may also nest in corners, in the lining or pockets of clothing and along baseboards.
• Spiders: A growing number of spiderwebs in your home is the strongest indication of a spider infestation. Many 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 brown recluse and black widow. Both are venemous and can deliver painful bites that require medical attention.
• Ants: Numerous ant species might nest on your property. Carpenter ants target wood while fire ants go after oily or greasy food residue. Both of these two varieties bite, while pavement ants don't. Pavement ants also frequently make their way indoors. Spotting a line of ants in your home means a larger colony has nested nearby.
• Mosquitos: Standing water attracts mosquitoes, so living in humid climates or near bodies of water puts your home at a higher risk of infestation. Mosquitoes are nocturnal and signal their presence through a sharp buzzing noise. Bites might not be instantly noticeable, but later the spots will become red and itchy. Mosquitoes can also spread diseases such as West Nile, dengue fever and malaria.

How can you prevent pests in your Los Altos home?

While an infestation will probably require professional extermination, the best way to avoid infestations is to implement preventative measures.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals can cause serious issues in your home and health if not addressed promptly. Talk to a pest control professional about preventative measures to stop pests from entering your home. Their recommendations may include sealing off small entry points, placing traps or applying pesticides around the area.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

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

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects, snakes, and small animals can take refuge in trash, leaves, standing water and tall grass in your yard. One of the simplest methods to avoid an infestation is to keep your yard clear of debris and properly maintained with a neatly trimmed lawn and pruned foliage. If you require professional landscaping services, check if national lawn care providers such as TruGreen are available in your area.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off entrances will discourage insects and small animals from coming inside. Rats, for instance, can squeeze into holes as tiny 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 consistent 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?

The treatment plan a pest professional recommends will vary based on the particular pest type, the severity of the infestation, the specific treatment method and the location of the property. In most cases, pest control providers advise against relying on a one-time treatment to eliminate household pests, as there will likely be insects at different stages of their life cycles that may have laid eggs in hard-to-spot areas.

Pest pros typically suggest recurring treatments, some of which may only occur during the warmer months, while others are carried out in all seasons. 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 it will take for your pest problem to be resolved 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 notice a decrease in activity, but pests may reemerge after hatching, requiring additional treatments. Conversely, you could see a surge in activity following the first treatment, as it can push pests from their hiding spots. Fortunately, this should decrease 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 typically takes a few hours.

Some pest control services can be particularly lengthy. During termite fumigation, the pest control professional must set up a tent around your home for three days to apply the pesticide. Throughout this timeframe, you'll have to find other accommodations.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

A service professional will know how much of a particular product to use, how long it takes to dry and when children and pets can safely come back to the area that's been treated. Before applying any treatment, they should educate you on what you must remove from the affected space, such as animals, food and plants.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest management companies provide green solutions for treating an infestation. These companies employ methods that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Examples include sealing entry points where pests can enter, setting humane traps for rodents or using pesticides made from organic materials.

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.