Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With an average high temperature of 70 degrees in Santa Cruz, there’s a huge range of pests in the area that can cause headaches for those who live there. If the issue isn’t solved fast, you could have an infestation on your hands. This is why taking action as soon as you notice the pests, and also arranging routine pest control, is important.
There are many great exterminator options, so the Today's Homeowner team has researched some of the best pest control companies in Santa Cruz to help you make the right choice. Keep reading to learn more about each exterminator.
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Helpful homeowner content on its website
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Reliable exterminators
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Free inspection policy
Lack of hidden fees
Offerings of preventative treatments
Reviews praise customer service
Helpful homeowner content on its website
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Free inspections
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Consistently high customer service reviews
Preventative pest control services
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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:
Today's Homeowner’s experts narrowed down the top pest control providers by comparing costs, customer reviews, state availability, and more.
Here’s how Santa Cruz’s top companies ranked:
Terminix has 300 branches in more than 22 countries and has been in the pest control industry for over 90 years. With the amount of experience the company has, you can see why Terminix is one of the top companies in the country.
Terminix has both one-off extermination services and routine pest control. In addition, every contract comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Terminix offers a free inspection. A qualified pest control expert will assess your situation and give you a suitable control plan.
Founded in 1901 by a rat poison salesman named Otto, the Orkin brand has evolved into one of the most trusted in the pest control industry. Because of its vast network, Orkin can provide same-day or next-day service.
Orkin will send a pest control expert to inspect your property to identify potential problems and draw up treatment plan. Each contract with Orkin comes with a 30-day guarantee. If your pest problem isn't handled, your pest control specialist will come back for another visit.
Rentokil has been helping homeowners rid themselves of common pests for over 90 years. The well-known brand owns the North American pest control companies J.C. Ehrlich, Western Exterminator, and Presto-X.
Rentokil exterminates the common pests in Santa Cruz, including cockroaches, moths, bed bugs, wasps, spiders, crickets, mosquitoes, flies, ants, and bees. Depending on your location, Rentokil and its partners may cover wildlife like rodents, snakes, and birds.
Pest control businesses vary in credibility, expertise, and competence. It's important to research companies to find the right fit for your pest problem. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a pest control provider:
Look for a pest control company that specializes in treating the pest you have, like roaches, bed bugs, termites, or rodents. The company should explain their process for treating your type of pest.
The ideal pest control company will employ technicians that have state licenses and are certified in pest control methods by associations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). These credentials indicate that the technicians have completed proper training. You'll also want to question each company about continuing training for their employees.
Take some time to read online reviews on Google and Yelp before committing to a pest control provider. This can help you confirm 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 latest pest control methods. When you choose a company from our list of Santa Cruz's best pest control, you can feel confident knowing that you're hiring an expert that meets our quality and review standards.
If you prefer natural pest control methods, look for providers that advertise “green” certifications. For bigger animals such as mice or snakes, ask if a provider offers humane trapping and relocation. Bear in mind natural options may not work as well for major infestations. If you have a moderate to serious pest problem, you may need more effective traditional methods. No matter your approach to pest control, any pesticides (besides those classified as minimal risk) must be registered with the EPA.
Leading pest control companies usually offer service guarantees for ongoing plans. The guarantees mean if pests remain after the initial treatment, the company will come back and re-treat your home for free until the infestation is handled. One-time treatments may not come with reservice guarantees.
Once you have compiled a list of a few highly reviewed exterminator services, have conversations with each one and be prepared to ask these kinds of questions:
Take the time to thoroughly review pest control companies using these questions. This will enable you to select the best provider to effectively manage your pest situation at a fair price.
You should know which pests you might see as a resident of Santa Cruz. To help you identify the most problematic pests, we reviewed online discussions and compiled a list of the ones mentioned the most.
The best pest control providers are Orkin and Terminix. They help with all common pests, service many locations, and have been in business for decades.
Hiring a pest control company and having a professional spray your property routinely is the best way to prevent future pest infestations. This deters insects and other wildlife from coming inside your house.
Pest control involves removing unwanted insects like termites, rodents, and other unwanted bugs or animals from your property. When you hire a pest control company, an exterminator will come and inspect your property. Then they will use various techniques to remove the pests and stop them from returning, such as chemical or natural sprays, bait, and traps.
In a city like Santa Cruz, where the cost of living is very high compared to other cities, the cost of pest control is most likely a concern. How much pest control costs varies based on several factors, including what type of pests are infesting your home and how bad the infestation is. A single visit can cost between $300 and $500, while a quarterly treatment plan is generally cheaper — around $100 to $300 a visit.
If you already have a serious pest infestation, you should get 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. However, it’s never too late for pest control. You can still spray in the summer or any other season and see effective results.
