Find a pest exterminator near San Francisco, CA

Find a pest exterminator near San Francisco, CA

Find a pest exterminator near San Francisco, CA

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Top 10 Pest Exterminators near San Francisco, CA

Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How do I choose a pest control company in San Francisco?

Comparing the top exterminators in San Francisco is the first step in choosing the best pest control company. Read their profiles to figure out which companies have positive or negative reviews. Some reviews may also include photos of recently completed jobs, which you can use to gauge quality.

Also, you can visit California’s Structural Pest Control Board to get information about a company’s license.

Getting quotes is the last step to take before deciding on which company or exterminator to hire. Contact the best exterminators in the San Francisco area to receive free estimates.

Are bed bugs common in San Francisco?

Bed bugs are not uncommon in San Francisco, as the city has appeared on rankings and reports of the top bed bug cities in the U.S.  If you have a bed bug infestation, you should find resources from the San Francisco Department of Public Health. To treat your bed bug problem immediately, contact San Francisco’s top-rated bed bug exterminators to schedule an appointment.

How much does an exterminator cost in San Francisco?

The best San Francisco exterminators have different prices for their services, and some charge around $100 or more. The price you pay, however, will depend on what type of service you require. For instance, termite and bed bug extermination are more expensive than general pest control services. The severity of the infestation and the number of treatments you need all factor into the price as well.

For more information, read “How much does an exterminator cost?

Please note: All cost estimates are accurate at time of writing and are subject to change. For the most accurate, up-to-date cost estimates for your specific project, get free estimates from pros near you. 

What kind of pests and bugs are in San Francisco?

In the San Francisco Bay Area, it’s not unusual to encounter flies, rodents, spiders, moths, bees, gnats, earwigs and other pests. But if you notice signs that you might have a serious bug or pest infestation in your home, take action immediately.

Here are the best exterminators in San Francisco to help you with your pest problem and prevent future infestations.

What are the signs of pests in your home?

Signs of pest infestations vary by the type of pest. Here are a few signs to watch out for when it comes to some of the most common pests: 

  • Ants: Stray ants walking around or large numbers congregating, wood shavings, ants emerging from hidden crevices, ant nests
  • Rats or mice: Droppings, chewed objects and wires, scampering noises, holes in walls and floors
  • Cockroaches: Cylindrical droppings, brown smear marks, live cockroaches
  • Fleas: Small and dark spots on your pet’s skin, your pet starts scratching excessively, pepper-like “flea dirt” in bedding, carpet or furniture
  • Bed bugs: Droppings in the seams of your mattress, rusty/reddish stains on bed sheets, bites on your skin 
  • Termites: Mud tubes, wood-scented droppings, small holes in walls, peeling or bubbling paint, wood damage
  • Bees or wasps: Excessive number of bees and wasps, dark patches on the walls or ceilings, and papery nests or hives under roof eaves, behind shutters, on balconies or in garden sheds

If you notice any of these signs in your house, contact the best exterminators near you

How often should pest control be done?

This depends on several factors, including:

  • The type of pest
  • The severity of the invasion
  • Your home’s characteristics
  • The quality of the pest control company’s work

In some cases, you might require pest control services three to four times a year. Or, you might need services monthly or every few months. 

Talk to the best exterminators near you to get an idea of what type of service you need — and how many times you’ll need follow-up treatments.

How do you get rid of termites?

The best way to get rid of termites is to act fast. Termites are a problem that will only get worse — and no matter how much you want them to, they usually don’t magically move out on their own. There are three main types of termites: drywood, dampwood and subterranean. Drywood and dampwood termites sneak through cracks in your exterior paint, nail holes, and gaps near windows and other openings and begin to eat through your wood. Subterranean termites enter your house from the ground up by creating mud tunnels. In all cases, they survive by eating the wood of your house. The type of termites you have can steer the treatment plan.

Methods of termite extermination include fumigation, use of pesticides, and use of natural elements that are poisonous to the bugs. The extent of your termite infestation will help determine the treatment method. If you have drywood or dampwood termites that have infiltrated all aspects of the wood in your home, the pest control pro may recommend enclosing the whole house in a tent and gassing the termites via fumigation. If you have subterranean termites, often the entire footprint of the home must be treated by drilling liquid treatments into the slab or foundation of the home to exterminate the colonies. In any case, once you see signs of termites, it’s time to take action and call a pest pro.  

How much does it cost to get rid of cockroaches?

Cockroaches are not only ugly, they are difficult to get rid of. Quick and resilient, they can be hard to get rid of without professional help once they have inhabited a house. Nationally, the average range for cockroach pest control cost is $80-$130. Extermination professionals typically provide a free estimate to determine the extent of the infestation. They’ll check for the main sources of the bugs, identify bug access and entry points into your home, and determine the best method for elimination. There are a variety of cockroach extermination tools including gel baits and traps, pesticide foggers, desiccants (which dry out the cockroaches), neurotoxins, and other pesticides. Pest control costs can also cover preventive measures like regular spraying and trap maintenance. Some regions of the country are much more prone to cockroach problems than others, so pest control costs may need to be part of your quarterly budget. Cockroaches love dark, humid, and warm areas and water sources, so place traps near your washer and dryer and under your sinks.

Do I need to leave the house for pest control?

It depends on the type of pest control service you require. Your exterminator can often tell you beforehand which products they’ll be using and where they’ll be applying it. 

If the pest control company will be applying toxic chemicals, limit your exposure, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. For example, consider leaving your house during application and ventilate your home thoroughly when you return. And always keep your pets and their supplies away from the applied pesticides. 

Talk to pest control companies near you for advice on what you should do while they’re treating your home for pests. 

How do you get rid of ants?

The best way to get rid of ants is to hire an ant exterminator near you. The exterminator can also help you find the source of the problem that’s drawing ants into your home. 

After they’re done treating your home, you can invest in ant baits to keep infestations at bay. It’s also important to take preventative steps to avoid ants.

For example, always clean up crumbs and wipe down surfaces to eliminate potential food sources. Regularly take out the trash, fix leaky pipes, store your food in sealed containers and seal cracks near your kitchen cabinets. 

Here are more tips on how to get rid of ants (for good).

Reviews for San Francisco pest exterminators

There are 68 five star Pest Exterminators in San Francisco, CA on Thumbtack.

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