Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
In Berkeley, where the summers can be particularly hot with average highs of 61 degrees, pests can be a big headache. Arranging routine pest control with a good company can help you avoid encounters with these pests later on.
We take pest control seriously. That’s why the team at Today's Homeowner has done the work and ranked the best pest control companies in Berkeley for you. Keep reading to learn more about each exterminator.
Commitment to customer education
Transparent pricing
Free inspection policy
Reviews praise customer service
Proactive solutions for pest control
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Free inspection policy
Lack of hidden fees
Positive customer service reviews
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Lack of hidden fees
Free inspections
Proactive approach to pest control
Services Offered
Reviews praise customer service
Free inspection policy
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Transparent pricing
Positive customer service reviews
Services Offered
Free inspection policy
Consistently high customer service reviews
Punctuality
Lack of hidden fees
Offerings of preventative treatments
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Services Offered
Timeliness of service
Free inspection policy
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Lack of hidden fees
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Services Offered
Positive customer service reviews
Commitment to customer education
Free inspection policy
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Reviews praise customer service
Punctual arrival
Services Offered
Free inspections
Lack of hidden fees
Commitment to customer education
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
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 down the top pest control providers by comparing customer reviews, costs, state availability, and more.
This is how they ranked:
Terminix has several hundred branches in more than 22 countries and has been in business for over 90 years. Terminix has received numerous awards for its service, including Pest Control Technology Magazine’s Top 100 Pest Control Companies, Watauga County Best of the Best, and Triad's Best Exterminator.
Terminix provides both one-off extermination services and routine pest control. Plus, every contract comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Along with pest control, Terminix provides services, like home disinfection services, mechanical exclusion, moisture control, and attic insulation.
If you need immediate pest control service in Berkeley, Orkin could be the company for you. Since 1901, Orkin has grown to be one of the largest pest control companies in the country. It has positive consumer reviews and professional exterminators who all complete 160 hours of training.
Orkin’s most common pest control service plan is its annual pest control contract. Orkin’s general pest control service plan is also quarterly, meaning your home will be treated several times over the course of a year.
Rentokil has been helping homeowners and business owners exterminate common pests for over 90 years. In North America, Rentokil is the parent company of quite a few regional pest control providers like Presto-X, Western Exterminator, and J.C. Ehrlich.
Rentokil provides integrated pest management (IPM) services, which means your pest control specialist will focus on both getting rid of existing pests and preventing future infestations. Rentokil’s treatments are safe for your pets and children.
Pest control businesses vary in reputation, knowledge, and effectiveness. It's important to research services to find the right fit for your pest problem. Focus on these key factors when choosing a pest control company:
Look for a pest control company that has experience handling the type of pest you have, whether it’s roaches, bed bugs, termites, rodents, or something else. The company should be able to describe how they treat your type of pest.
The ideal exterminator 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 received proper training. You'll also want to ask each company about ongoing education for their employees.
We highly recommend looking at customer reviews prior to scheduling a pest control appointment. Google, Yelp, and other review sites will show whether a company consistently provides quality service and has happy customers. Also check the Better Business Bureau website for any complaints that have been filed. Ask about the kind of ongoing education technicians receive to stay current on the latest pest control techniques and treatment methods. When you choose a professional from our list of the top pest control in Berkeley, you can feel confident knowing that you're hiring an expert that meets our quality and review standards.
Search for providers that have “green” accreditations to get more natural, eco-friendly pest control. You can also ask about humane trapping programs that don't harm pests like mice or snakes. Keep in mind that traditional treatments might be a better option for significant infestations. Whether you choose eco-friendly or traditional options, any pesticides (besides those classified as minimal risk) are required to be registered with the EPA.
Reputable pest control companies usually offer service warranties for continuing plans. The guarantees mean that a company will make another visit to re-treat your home at no cost if pests remain after the initial treatment. One-off treatments may not include these reservice guarantees.
Once you have identified a few highly reviewed exterminator services, reach out to each one and come prepared to ask these kinds of questions:
Carefully review potential pest control providers using these questions. This will help you hire the right provider to safely and effectively eliminate your pest problem at a reasonable price.
There are various kinds of pests in Berkeley, ranging from harmless bothers to disease-carrying insects. To help you prepare for the most common pests, we studied various social media sites and compiled a list of the ones mentioned the most.
The best pest control companies are Terminix and Orkin. They help with all common pests, service locations all around the country, and have been in business for several decades.
Hiring a pest control company and having a professional spray your property every quarter is the best way to prevent future pest infestations. This deters insects and other wildlife from coming inside your house.
There are some pests you can get rid of yourself. For example, if you see a few ants or a stray wasp, chances are you can get rid of it on your own. But some situations warrant bringing in the professionals. If you have an out-of-control infestation, you aren’t sure what the pest is, or would like preventative pest control, you should hire a pest control company.
In a city like Berkeley, where the cost of living is really high compared to other cities, the cost of pest control is most likely a concern. The cost of pest control depends 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, but a quarterly treatment plan is generally cheaper — around $100 to $300 a visit.
Spring is the best time for proactive pest control. This is because nests and colony numbers will get much higher as it gets warmer, so spraying in the spring can help prevent your home from getting too many pests later.
