Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
No matter where you live, pests are uninvited little creatures that can damage your home and cause you a lot of worry. Setting up routine pest control with a good company can help you avoid these pests in the future.
There are many exterminators to choose from, which can make difficult for you to know which is best for you. That’s why we've analyzed plenty of options to find the best pest control companies in Berkeley. Keep reading to discover the top providers near you.
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Educational web content
Proactive approach to pest control
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Free inspection policy
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Positive customer service reviews
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
No-cost inspections
Reliable appointment windows
Educational web content
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Services Offered
Preventative pest control services
Transparent pricing
Reviews praise customer service
Timeliness of service
Commitment to customer education
Services Offered
Free inspection policy
Commitment to customer education
Lack of hidden fees
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Services Offered
Educational web content
Lack of hidden fees
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Free inspections
Services Offered
Proactive solutions for pest control
Reviews praise customer service
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Educational web content
Free inspection policy
Services Offered
Services Offered
No-cost inspections
Proactive approach to pest control
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on pest control companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
When ranking these pest control providers, we compared factors like types of pest control treatments offered, industry experience, customer service, coverage, and more.
This is how the top pest control companies ranked in Berkeley:
Terminix is one of the biggest and oldest pest control companies in the world, with branches in 45 states and 22 other countries. With this experience, you can see why Terminix is a top choice for many homeowners.
Terminix’s specialty termite services are their most widely known service, but they take care of much more than that. Their other services include: spiders, ants, mosquitoes, rodents, ticks, cockroaches, and wildlife control including opossums, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and more. Terminix will inspect your home for free. A qualified pest control expert will take a look at your situation and provide a suitable control plan.
Orkin has been in the business for over 100 years. Its exterminators have to complete 160 hours of training. Additionally, because of its large network, it can usually provide next-day — or even same-day — pest control.
Pests Orkin deals with includes scorpions, spiders, flies, crickets, cockroaches, mice, rats, bees, yellow jackets, ticks, and more. Each scheduled service comes with a 30-day guarantee. If initial treatments are ineffective, your technician will come back for another visit.
Rentokil is a well-known name in pest control, with branches across the world and close to a century of experience in the industry. The well-known brand owns the North American pest control companies J.C. Ehrlich, Western Exterminator, and Presto-X.
Rentokil offers integrated pest management (IPM) services, which means your pest control specialist will focus on both getting rid of current pests and preventing future infestations. The company guarantees satisfaction with its treatments. If you still have pest problems after service, Rentokil will visit again until the issue is resolved.
Not all pest control businesses are the same in reputation, experience, and competence. Researching companies helps you identify the right choice for your pest circumstance. Focus on these key factors when choosing a pest control provider:
Look for a pest control company that has experience treating the type of pest you're dealing with, whether it's termites, bed bugs, roaches, rodents, or something else. The company should provide detailed explanations of its area of expertise.
The ideal exterminator will employ technicians that have state licenses and are certified in pest control methods by groups like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). These credentials show that the technicians have finished proper training. You'll also want to inquire with each company about continuing training for their employees.
Look through reviews on Google, Yelp, and similar sites prior to booking a pest control appointment. Confirm through customer feedback that the company reliably provides effective service and receives positive customer feedback. Also check for any Better Business Bureau complaints that have been filed. Ask whether technicians receive consistent education on the newest and most advanced pest control treatments. When you choose an exterminator from our list of the top pest control in Berkeley, you can rest easy knowing you're hiring an expert that meets our quality and review standards.
If you prefer natural pest control methods, look for companies with “green” certifications. For larger pests like mice or squirrels, ask if a provider offers humane trapping and relocation. Bear in mind natural options may not work as well for significant infestations. If you have a substantial pest problem, you may need stronger traditional treatments. Regardless of what methods you choose, any pesticides that are classified as greater than minimal risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Quality pest control providers typically offer service guarantees for ongoing plans. The guarantees mean the provider will return and re-treat at no cost if your home still has pests following the initial visit. One-time treatments may not come with reservice guarantees.
Once you have identified a few top contending pest control companies, talk to each of them and be prepared to ask these types of questions:
Assess potential pest control companies based on their answers to these questions. This will allow you to choose a qualified provider to effectively resolve your pest problem at a reasonable cost.
Berkeley is home to a number of pests, from wildlife to insects. To help you prepare for the most problematic pests, we analyzed social media conversations and created a list of the ones mentioned the most.
The top pest control providers are Orkin and Terminix. They can treat all common pests, service locations all around the country, and have been in the industry for decades.
Hiring a pest control company and getting a professional to spray your property regularly is the best way to prevent future pest infestations. This deters insects and animals from coming inside your home.
Chemicals used in pest control are safe but must be handled by a professional. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of the chemicals — such as if they're safe around children and pets — or are wondering how long you need to stay out of your home after using them, you can ask the exterminator. Generally, you should stay away from your home for two to four hours after spraying.
In a city like Berkeley, where the cost of living is remarkably high compared to other cities, the cost of pest control is most likely a concern. How much pest control costs depends on several factors, such as what kind of pests are troubling you and how bad the infestation is. A single visit can cost between $300 and $500, while a quarterly treatment plan is usually cheaper — around $100 to $300 a visit.
If you already have a serious infestation, you should seek pest control as soon as possible. However, if you just want preventative pest control, the best time of year to have a professional spray your house is in the spring before colony numbers get too high in the hotter part of the year. But it’s never too late for pest control. You can still spray in the summer or in other seasons and see effective results.
