10 best pest control companies in Novato, California

In Novato, ticks, flies and rats are a regular source of problems. Taking preventative measures by yourself can help you prevent pest issues, but reaching out to a pest control company is best if you notice an existing infestation. Licensed pest control professionals in Novato know how to correctly identify pests, use proper chemicals and methods and resolve your pest problem.

Letting a pest problem go unaddressed can introduce a variety of risks to you, your loved ones and your pets. Insects and small animals can cause permanent property damage, contaminate foods and spread disease.

Hiring pest control professionals can significantly minimize the damage from an infestation. These specialists identify infestation hot spots and create personalized treatment plans that could include plugging cracks, using traps or applying pesticides. Once the right solution is administered, pests can be kept at bay for the long haul.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Novato

Look for pest control companies in Novato 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 Novato?

While pests are all over, the hot spots for different species differ. The following pests are common in the Novato area, and these are some signs of an infestation:

• Flies: Everyone sees the occasional fly buzzing around their home during the summer months, but if you see more than usual, there’s a good chance you have an infestation. Flies leave feces that look like clusters of black dots and often appear near sink drains, high shelves and around trash. Another sign of an infestation is seeing maggots, which are fly larvae, in waste.
• Mice: Mice that have gotten into your house might dart by quickly or leave rice grain-sized droppings. Mice characteristically give off a distinct musky smell and damage household items by nibbling through them. They build nests from scavenged materials and torn fibers. As mice prefer tight spaces, you may hear rustling inside your walls or ceiling.
• Rats: If you find droppings about half an inch long or hear skittering in your walls or ceiling, you may have a rat infestation. Rats eat through doors, walls and food bags, forming access points for themselves.
• Ticks: Though ticks usually stay close to the ground outside, they can make their way into your home via clothing, pets or shoes. Inside, female ticks can lay eggs in upholstery, on curtains or in carpet fibers. Nests may also be hidden in the lining or pockets of clothing, along baseboards and in corners.
• Mosquitos: Standing water attracts mosquitoes, so living in wet climates or near bodies of water puts your property 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 swollen and itchy. Mosquitoes can also spread diseases such as malaria, West Nile and dengue fever.

How can you prevent pests in your Novato home?

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

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Left uncontrolled, insects and vermin can significantly impact your home and well-being. Discuss preventive options with a pest control professional 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 commonly looking for food, making food difficult to access will discourage them from infesting your home. Food should be a minimum of half a foot off the floor and a small distance away from the walls. Make sure to keep counters, sinks and food storage areas clean and sanitized when not in use, and dispose of food scraps and other trash regularly. Maintain the areas around your trash cans and dumpsters.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Tall grass, trash, leaves and standing water create ideal habitats for insects and small animals. Maintaining a debris-free yard and regularly mowing your grass and trimming foliage are among the simplest ways to prevent an infestation from taking hold. Should you need expert lawn care assistance, look into whether national lawn care companies such as TruGreen operate in your location.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off small openings into your home will help prevent insects and small animals from entering. Rats, for example, can wriggle into holes just a half-inch in diameter. Repair holes in your roof or siding, and remember to seal broken window frames. Some pest control providers offer specialized pest prevention services to keep critters out.

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) regulates 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?

The treatment plan a pest professional recommends will vary based on the severity of the infestation, the location of the property, the particular pest type and the specific treatment method. In most cases, pest control services advise against relying on a single treatment to get rid of household pests, as there will likely be insects at various stages of their life cycles that may have laid eggs in hidden locations.

Pest specialists often suggest recurring treatments, some of which may be limited to the warmer months, while others occur across all seasons. As a proactive measure, they might also recommend preventive treatments every two or three months to stop infestations from getting a foothold.

How long will it take to get rid of pests?

How long it takes for your pest issue to disappear depends on the infestation type and severity, as well as the insect's life cycle. When the pest control professional applies the first treatment, you may notice a decline in activity, but pests could resurface after hatching, requiring supplementary treatments. On the other hand, you might see increased activity after the initial treatment, as it can force pests out of hiding. 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 some parts of the pest control treatment, such as sealing holes and cracks. However, if your service professional uses a pesticide, it may take hours to dry, during which time you'll need to be out of the house.

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 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 re-enter 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 food, plants and animals.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest control providers offer green solutions for addressing an infestation. This means they use techniques with a lower environmental impact than traditional methods. Examples include sealing areas where pests can enter, humanely trapping 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 options available.

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.