10 best pest control companies in Millbrae, California

In Millbrae, you might face pests such as rats, ants and flies. DIY prevention techniques may improve your pest issue, but you may need to use a pest control company for an existing infestation. These licensed pest exterminators in Millbrae can diagnose the problem and treat it safely and effectively.

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

Hiring pest control pros can significantly minimize the damage from an infestation. These specialists identify infestation hot spots and create custom treatment plans that could include closing off entryways, using traps or spraying chemicals. The right pest solution can take care of your pest infestation for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Millbrae

Look for pest control companies in Millbrae 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 Millbrae?

While pests are all over, not all of them invade the same locations. Here are some indications of common pests in Millbrae.

• Rats: If you find droppings about half an inch long or hear scurrying in your walls or ceiling, you may have a rat problem. Rats eat through doors, food bags and walls, forming entryways for themselves.
• Mosquitos: If you live in a wet climate or have large bodies of water nearby, you're at a higher risk for a mosquito infestation. Mosquitoes are drawn to standing water and become more active at night. As the sun sets, you'll hear a buzzing noise that notifies you of their presence. Bites may go unnoticed initially, but later on you'll find red, irritated spots. Mosquitoes can carry a variety of diseases including West Nile, dengue fever and malaria.
• 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.
• Mice: If you have mice in your house, you may see one running out of the corner of your eye or find droppings about the size of a grain of rice. Mice tend to chew on furniture and emit a musky odor. They make their nests from gathered bits and torn fibers. Mice like to nest in tight spaces, so you may hear them rustling in your walls or ceilings.
• Ticks: Though ticks typically stay close to the ground outside, they can get into your home via shoes, clothing or pets. Inside, female ticks lay eggs in upholstery, on curtains or in carpet fibers. Nests may also be hidden along baseboards, in corners and in the lining or pockets of clothing.

How can you prevent pests in your Millbrae home?

Getting rid of pests isn’t easy, but a good defense is always the best offense. While an infestation probably 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 are troublesome and can cause significant damage to your home and health if left unchecked. Consult with a pest control service about taking preventative measures to keep pests from invading your home. They may recommend sealing gaps, setting traps or spraying the area with pesticides.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

As pests are commonly 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 short distance away from the walls. Make sure to keep counters, sinks and food storage areas clean and disinfected 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 hide in leaves, standing water, trash and tall grass in your yard. One of the easiest methods to avoid an infestation is to keep your yard debris-free 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

Sealing off entry points will deter 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 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?

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

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 in accordance with 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 control expert will create a treatment schedule based on the type of pest, location of your property, severity of the infestation and type of treatment. Pest control technicians typically discourage a single-treatment approach, as insects are frequently at various stages of their life cycles and may have laid eggs in hard-to-spot locations.

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 resolve your pest problem will vary based on the type 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 further treatments. Alternatively, you may see more activity following the first treatment, as it can force pests out of their hiding places. The good news is this should lessen within a few days.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You can stay in your home for certain portions of the pest control treatment, such as sealing entry points. 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.

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 release the pesticide. Throughout this timeframe, you'll have to stay at a different location.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

A skilled service technician has the knowledge to determine the appropriate amount of product to apply, the drying time required and when it is safe for children and pets to re-enter the treated space. Before administering any treatment, they should instruct you on which items such as plants, food and animals must be cleared from the area.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Some pest control providers offer environmentally friendly methods for treating an infestation. These companies employ methods that have a smaller environmental impact compared to conventional 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?

Most pest control providers offer guarantees and warranties should pests reappear before a specified date. Some companies may provide a one-time solution, while others offer ongoing treatments to address recurring pest issues. Discuss the options available with your pest control expert.

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.