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Best 5 Pest Control Companies in San Diego, CA

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Written By Jessica Hurtault | Last Updated: February 05, 2024

Many San Diego homeowners are concerned about wasp and rat infestations. Any pest can threaten both your health and property, but hiring a licensed local exterminator can give you peace of mind by stopping infestations and preventing future ones.

No matter what your concerns are, our guide to the top pest control companies in San Diego can help.

Best Overall
5.0
  • Serves more than 2.8 million customers annually
  • Nearly 100 years in business
  • Service guarantees in 46 states
Best for Urgent Service
4.8
  • Over a century of experience
  • Same-day service if you call before noon local time
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Best 5 San Diego Pest Control Companies

Orkin Logo

Orkin

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5/5
Based on 1,658 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Prevention Fumigation Flies Ants General Pest Control Wasps Termites Ticks Baiting Mosquitos Cockroaches Bed Bugs Fleas Residential Spiders Rats Mice Commercial

Highlights

  • Helpful homeowner content on its website
  • Consistently high customer service reviews
  • Transparent pricing
9471 Ridgehaven Ct Ste A, San Diego, CA 619-821-3580 orkin.com Read More: Orkin Review
Lloyd Pest & Termite Control Logo

Lloyd Pest & Termite Control

5/5
Based on 464 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Fleas Silverfish Ticks Gophers Ants Cockroaches Commercial Fumigation Termites Bed Bugs General Pest Control Residential Green Pest Control Wasps Mice Spiders Rats Mosquitos

Highlights

  • Helpful homeowner content on its website
  • Transparent pricing
  • Free inspection policy
935 Sherman St, San Diego, CA 619-298-9865 lloydpest.com
Thrasher Pest Control Logo

Thrasher Pest Control

5/5
Based on 484 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Residential Bed Bugs Spiders Gophers Green Pest Control Cockroaches Termites Fumigation Ants Commercial General Pest Control Mosquitos Prevention Fleas

Highlights

  • Reviews praise customer service
  • Free inspection policy
  • Transparent pricing
8957 Complex Dr, San Diego, CA 619-955-5121 thrasherpest.com
Truly Nolen Pest & Termite Control Logo

Truly Nolen Pest & Termite Control

5/5
Based on 375 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Moths Spiders Ticks Ants Bed Bugs Rats Wasps Cockroaches Mice Residential Beetles Mosquitos Bees Grubs Commercial Green Pest Control Termites Fleas Prevention Silverfish General Pest Control

Highlights

  • Transparent pricing
  • Free inspection policy
  • Consistently high customer service reviews
8125 Mercury Ct Suite 140-C, San Diego, CA 858-492-0900 locations.trulynolen.com

More Local Pest Control Companies

Mission Pest Control

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

4080 Centre St Suite 207 #2
San Diego, CA 92103

Kilter Termite and Pest Control

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

2534 State St
San Diego, CA 92101

Dewey Pest & Termite Control

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

324 Civic Center Dr.
National City, CA 91950

Harbor Pest Control

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

6160 Fairmount Ave Suite K
San Diego, CA 92120

Ecola Termite and Pest Control Services

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

3555 Pacific Hwy
San Diego, CA 92101

Cal Coast Pest Management

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

2525 Southport Way B
National City, CA 91950

Victory Bee Removal

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

3927 Kaplan Way
National City, CA 91950

American Pest Control

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

8100 Broadway STE E
Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Doug's Bug Company

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

3045 Rosecrans St #305
San Diego, CA 92110

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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Facts about San Diego
Average Max Temp: 72°F
Average Min Temp: 54°F
Average Daily Sunlight: 73%
Average Annual Snowfall: 0"
Average Monthly Precipitation: 1.21"
Average Monthly Pest Visit: $240

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How To Choose a Pest Control Company

Choosing the best pest control company for you is key. Along with a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you might also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Finally, you'll likely want to consider the cost of services.

Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.

  • Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?

    All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, need to be licensed via the appropriate California regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while providing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.

  • Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

    One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer other certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a company is reputable.

    Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to education and resources, as well as a professional network to compare best practices with. Belonging to one of these organizations is not required, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.

Professional Experience and Specialties

Typically, a company will list information like its years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also help you determine if a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can call the company directly to get your questions answered.

  • Reviews and Recommendations

    You can view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, browse reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the California licensing board.

  • Cost of Services and Guarantees

    Cost is often a deciding factor when picking a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors.

    Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a satisfaction guarantee.

Safety and Treatment Methods

Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment can influence which provider and treatment methods you choose.

  • Safety

    Your pest technician should use pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic whenever possible. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect your family, your pets, and you. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.

  • Treatment Methods

    Many companies are now exploring cleaner and greener pest solutions that can be used before (or in place of) chemical pesticides. Many are following the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:

    1. Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
    2. Decide on the safest course of action.
    3. Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
    4. Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
    5. Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.


Common Household Pests in San Diego

In San Diego, some species of pests are more common than others. This list of pests includes the following:

  • Moths: If you're dealing with a moth infestation, you may notice holes in your clothing or linens. Moths thrive in warmer weather (which makes them a particular problem in San Diego) and prefer dark places like closets.
  • Mice: Telltale signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in areas where food is kept.
  • Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout California and can cause big problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often hard to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest furniture, wallpaper, bedsheets, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pest Control in San Diego

What are some causes of pest infestations?

Pest infestations happen when pests come into your home looking for something, usually food, water, or shelter. Pests may come looking for food or trash that is left out. Some could also be drawn by standing water collecting outside (from rain collecting in one area) or inside (from leaky pipes). They might also come into your home simply looking for shelter. They can get in through places like foundation cracks or broken screens.

How can I prevent pest infestations?

One thing you can do to prevent pest infestations is seal off possible entrances into your home. This includes things like cracks in your siding or foundation. Also try to avoid leaving food out for pests. This includes keeping food in sealed containers and not leaving trash out. Finally, eliminate standing water in and around your house. Work to reduce places where water collects outside, and repair leaks inside.

How frequently do I need to hire a pest control professional?

Normally it's recommended that you hire a pest control technician about once annually. If there is an active infestation, you will need pest control to come out more frequently. Ultimately, your pest professional will be the person best-equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.

How long does it take pest control to work?

How soon you notice results from pest control will depend on the issue and treatment. If your pest technician takes measures like removing a wasp nest, you can see the results almost immediately. For most pest control, however, you will likely need to wait anywhere from one to two days to up to six weeks to see substantial results. Some pest issues might require your technician to make multiple trips to your house.

How long does exterminator spray last?

Typically, pesticide application lasts around 30 to 90 days. The exact duration varies based on what chemicals are used, which pests are being targeted, how many pests are in your area, and whether the chemicals are applied inside or outside. Chemicals applied outdoors might wear away faster than those inside if there is rain.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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