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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
If you live in a place that has warm summers like San Marcos, it’s likely you experience a lot of pests, including ants and cockroaches. Homeowners and apartment dwellers who have a preventative pest control plan can avoid encounters with these uninvited tenants. Fortunately, pest control companies can help you with this issue.
Pest control is a serious matter. That’s why the team at Today's Homeowner has done the work and ranked the best pest control companies in San Marcos for you. Read on to learn more about each exterminator.
Reviews praise customer service
Lack of hidden fees
Educational web content
Free inspection policy
Preventative pest control services
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Commitment to customer education
Free inspection policy
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Services Offered
Free inspections
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Positive customer service reviews
Free inspection policy
Educational web content
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Services Offered
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Transparent pricing
Helpful homeowner content on its website
No-cost inspections
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Educational web content
No-cost inspections
Reviews praise customer service
Services Offered
No-cost inspections
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Timeliness of service
Lack of hidden fees
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Services Offered
Free inspections
Lack of hidden fees
Consistently high customer service reviews
Offerings of preventative treatments
Commitment to customer education
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
No-cost inspections
Commitment to customer education
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:
The team at Today's Homeowner narrowed it down to these pest control companies by comparing customer reviews, contracts, pest control treatments offered, state availability, costs, and more.
This is how they ranked:
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 breadth of experience, you can see why Terminix is one of the top companies in the country.
Terminix helps with dozens of pests in San Marcos, and it offers a 30-day guarantee. Along with pest control, Terminix provides services, including attic insulation, home disinfection services, moisture control, and mechanical exclusion.
Orkin has more than 100 years of experience in the industry and is one of the most trustworthy pest control companies in the country. Due to its vast network, Orkin can provide same-day or next-day service.
Orkin offers an expert property inspection to identify problem pests and areas and draw up a suitable treatment plan. Each scheduled service comes with a 30-day guarantee. If initial treatments are ineffective, your technician will return for another visit.
Rentokil has been helping homeowners remove common pests for over 90 years. In North America, Rentokil is the parent company of several local pest control companies like Presto-X, J.C. Ehrlich, and Western Exterminator.
It helps with 36 of the most common pests such as bed bugs, moths, flies, rats, mice, cockroaches, spiders, and more. The company has a satisfaction guarantee for its treatments. If you still have pests after service, Rentokil will make as many visits as needed to resolve the issue.
Pest control companies aren't all the same when it comes to credibility, knowledge, and effectiveness. It’s important to research services to find the right one for your specific situation. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a pest control company:
Look for a pest control company that has experience treating the type of pest you're dealing with, whether it's roaches, bed bugs, termites, rodents, or something else. The company should clearly lay out its area of expertise.
When selecting a pest control provider, look for technicians with certifications in pest control methods from respected industry associations, such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), in addition to proper state licensing. These credentials show that the technicians have completed adequate training. Also ask about continuing education policies and total training hours.
Spend time perusing online reviews on Google and Yelp before scheduling a pest control appointment. This can help you determine for yourself whether the company consistently provides quality service and positive experiences. Also check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints. Ask the provider whether technicians receive continual training to stay current on the most recent pest control methods. When you choose a provider from our list of the top pest control in San Marcos, 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 gentle catch and release programs. Bear in mind natural options may not work as well for major infestations. If you have a substantial pest problem, you may need stronger traditional methods. No matter your approach to pest control, all pesticides (besides those classified as minimal risk) must be registered with the EPA.
Reputable pest control professionals usually offer service warranties for continuing plans. The guarantees mean that a provider will return to re-treat your home at no cost if pests remain after the first treatment. One-off treatments may not include these reservice guarantees.
Once you have identified a few top contending pest control companies, have conversations with each one and come prepared to ask these kinds of questions:
Take the time to thoroughly analyze pest control companies using these questions. This will enable you to hire a qualified provider to effectively manage your pest situation at a fair price.
There are various kinds of pests in San Marcos, ranging from harmless nuisances to disease-carrying insects. We came up with a list of the most common pests in the city by examining what pests were often posted about on social media.
The top pest control companies are Terminix and Orkin. They help with all common pests, service locations all around the country, and have been in the industry for a long time.
The best way to prevent a pest infestation is getting a pest control company to come to your home once every quarter. Regularly spraying your property will stop insects and animals from coming back.
Chemicals used in pest control are safe but have to 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 — and how long you have to stay out of your house after using them, you can ask the exterminator. Typically, you should stay away from your home for two to four hours after spraying.
To find the best pest control company for you, the key is to take your time and do thorough research. We recommend obtaining quotes from multiple companies and reading reviews to help figure out which company is the best for you.
Many San Marcos homeowners are concerned about the cost of pest control. Monthly pest control usually costs $40 to $70 a visit. Quarterly pest control costs about $110 to $250 per visit. To find out exactly how much it will cost for you, we recommend getting in touch with several providers for an estimate.
If you already have a serious infestation, you should seek pest control as soon as possible. However, if you’re just interested in preventative pest control, the best time of year to have a professional spray your home 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 any other season and see effective results.