10 best pest control companies in Oakland, California

Pests commonly found in Oakland are rats, flies and ants. Taking preventative measures yourself can help you prevent pest problems, but contacting a pest control company is best if you have an existing infestation. A professional pest control service in Oakland can pinpoint, treat and solve your pest problems.

Pest infestations pose risks to your home, family and pets. Insects and small animals can contaminate your food, cause irreversible damage to your home’s structure and spread disease.

A licensed pest control company can lower these risks. These specialists identify infestation hot spots and create custom treatment plans that may include closing off gaps, using traps or spraying chemicals. Once the right solution is applied, pests can be kept at bay for the long term.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Oakland

Look for pest control companies in Oakland 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 Oakland?

Different pests invade different places. The following pests are common in the Oakland area, and these are some signs of an infestation:

• Fleas: If you notice your pet has black flecks on its skin and it's scratching more than usual, you may have a flea problem. Although fleas can't live on human skin or hair, if you have an infestation, you'll often find red, itchy marks near your feet and ankles from them jumping up and biting. Fleas also spread disease, such as the bubonic plague.
• Ants: Many different types of ants can take over your home. Carpenter ants are drawn to wood, while fire ants like oily or greasy food debris. Both types sting, unlike pavement ants, which can also often find their way inside. If you see a trail of ants in your home, it signifies a larger infestation nearby.
• Rats: You may have a rat infestation if you see a rat, find droppings about half an inch long or hear skittering in your walls or ceiling. Rats will also chew into food wrappings and chew through walls and doors to create access points.
• Flies: It's common to spot a few flies inside your home during the summer, but an excessive number likely signals an infestation. Flies leave droppings resembling clusters of black dots by sinks, shelves, or trash. Finding maggots, which are fly larvae, in your trash also indicates an infestation.
• Spiders: A increasing number of spiderwebs in your home is the clearest sign of a spider infestation. A plentiful supply 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 are harmless, with the exception of the black widow and brown recluse. Both are venemous and can deliver painful bites that require medical attention.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs are wingless, flat, reddish-brown insects about the size of apple seeds. Commonly seen in hospitals, hotels and apartment buildings, they travel on used furniture, purses, backpacks and clothing. They hide in the daytime in beds or cracks and crevices. Then they become active at night. You may have an infestation if you find the bugs themselves or bloody marks on mattresses or other furniture.

How can you prevent pests in your Oakland home?

Fighting a pest infestation can be challenging, so preventative measures are the most reliable strategy to prevent future problems. Though infestations often require expert intervention, you can take action to keep pests out before they make their way into your home.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Bugs and small animals are troublesome and can cause extensive 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 cracks and holes, setting traps or spraying the area with pesticides.

Cover, seal or eliminate food sources

Because pests typically seek out food sources, limiting their food access will stop them from infesting your home. Place food at least six inches above floor level and slightly away from walls. Be sure to keep counters, food storage areas 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 clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Insects and small animals can hide in standing water, leaves, tall grass 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, find out if national lawn care services such as TruGreen cover your region.

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 tiny as half an 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 prevention.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

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

Are your technicians properly licensed and insured?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the use of pest control substances under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Furthermore, the EPA mandates that restricted-use pesticide applicators and their supervisors have certification in line with the agency's regulations as well as state, territorial and tribal legislation.

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 hinge on factors such as the property location, infestation severity, pest type and treatment type. Generally, pest control professionals 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 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?

The time needed to solve your pest issue 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 see less pest activity. However, pests might reappear once they hatch, warranting additional treatments. Alternatively, you may notice more activity following the first treatment, as it can drive pests out of their hiding places. The good news is this should decrease within a few days.

Can I remain in my home during pest control treatments?

You can stay in your home for some stages of the pest control treatment, such as when the professional is sealing up entry points. But if a pesticide is used, it may need hours to dry completely, and you'll have to leave the house while it dries.

Certain pest control treatments can take a while. For termite fumigation, the pest control company sets up a tent over your entire home for three days to apply the pesticide. You'll have to vacate your home during this process.

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 plants, animals and food.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

Some pest control providers offer eco-friendly methods for managing infestations. This means they use methods with a lower environmental impact than traditional methods. Examples include sealing areas 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 single treatment or ongoing treatments. Consult with your service provider to learn about the packages 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.