10 best pest control companies in Ontario, California

Common pests such as snakes, cockroaches and bees can regularly make their way into living spaces in Ontario. You can take action yourself to avoid potential pest problems, but you may need to contact a pest control company if you are dealing with an infestation. Skilled pest exterminators in the Ontario area have the expertise to inspect your home and treat your pest problem.

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

A licensed pest control company can reduce these risks. They'll identify where pests have nested, and create a treatment plan that could include sealing entry points, using traps or spraying chemicals. When the proper fixes are put in place, you can get rid of infestations for good.

Find the best local pest control company for you in Ontario

Look for pest control companies in Ontario 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 Ontario?

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

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches come out at night and run away when you turn a light on. With a heavy infestation, however, you may see them during the day. Their nesting spots tend to be in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Cockroaches often leave droppings that look like brown or black specks, egg casings and brown stains on walls and floors. They can spread disease and worsen allergies and respiratory issues.
• Snakes: Snakes are more active during warmer seasons, nesting among wood, overgrown grass, rock piles and debris. Shed snake skins and snake eggs point to infestations. To test if you have a snake infestation, sprinkle flour on the ground where you suspect they're nesting. If you see snake trails in the flour, you know it's time to contact a pest control company.
• Rats: You may have rats if you see a rat, find droppings about half an inch long or hear scratching in your walls or ceiling. Rats will also chew into food wrappings and bite into walls and doors to create access points.
• Termites: Termites feed on the cellulose fibers found in wood. They may be present in your home if you notice droppings, termite swarms, cracked or bubbling paint, mud tubes or wood that emits a hollow sound when you knock on it.
• Wasps: A surge of wasp activity, including frequent indoor appearances, may signal that there's a nest nearby. Wasp nests can be above ground, but they can also be underground, which you may not realize until you accidentally step on one. More hostile than bees, wasps readily swarm, so don't attempt to remove a wasp nest on your own. Seek assistance from pest management experts to remove a wasp nest as they have the tools to do so safely.

How can you prevent pests in your Ontario home?

While an infestation will probably require professional help, the best way to prevent infestations is to implement preventative steps.

Schedule regular preventative pest control

Left uncontrolled, pests can significantly harm 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

Since pests are generally in search of sustenance, restricting their access to food sources will prevent them from settling in. Store food at least half a foot above the ground and slightly away from walls. Ensure sinks, counters and food storage areas are kept clean and sanitized when not being used. Quickly dispose of food waste and other garbage, and keep the spaces near trash cans and dumpsters clean.

Keep up with yard maintenance

Trash, tall grass, standing water and leaves give ample shelter to insects and small animals. Keeping your yard tidy and well-maintained with cut grass and trimmed foliage is one of the most straightforward ways to prevent an infestation. If you need professional lawn care, find out if national lawn care companies such as TruGreen cover your area.

Seal off pest entrances

Closing off entrances will prevent insects and small animals from coming inside. Rats, for example, can squeeze into holes as tiny as half an inch in diameter. Don't neglect gaps in your roof or siding, and remember to seal up broken window frames. Some pest control services specialize in blocking pests.

What are questions to ask your pest control provider?

Ask the following questions to make sure you get a pest control provider that can handle your specific needs.

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 depend on factors such as the treatment type, pest type, property location and infestation severity. 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 hard-to-access areas.

Pest professionals generally advise continuous 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 get rid of your pest problem 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 see less pest activity. However, pests might reappear once they hatch, warranting further treatments. Alternatively, you may notice 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 some stages of the pest control treatment, such as when the professional is sealing holes and cracks. But if a pesticide is used, it may need hours to dry completely, and you'll have to stay in another location while it dries.

Some services take a particularly long time. During termite fumigation, the pest control company needs to erect a tent around your home for three days to apply the pesticide. You must find alternative accommodations during that time.

Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?

An experienced pest control professional can gauge the right amount of a product to use, the time needed for it to dry and when children and pets can safely return to the treated location. Before beginning any treatment, your service provider should inform you about what should be removed from the area, including animals, food and plants.

Do you offer any “green” pest control methods?

A number of pest control services provide green solutions for treating an infestation. This involves using products that don't impact the environment as much as traditional chemical approaches. Eco-friendly pest control methods may include sealing off areas where pests can gain access, humanely trapping rodents or applying pesticides made from natural ingredients.

What do I do if pests come back?

Many pest control services have guarantees and warranties in place to protect you if pests return before a predetermined date. These companies may offer a one-time treatment or ongoing treatment to tackle a stubborn pest problem. Be sure to discuss the available options with your provider.

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.