Pest control in California
Cities
- Auberry
- Bakersfield
- Bellflower
- Buena Park
- Burbank
- Carmichael
- Citrus Heights
- Clovis
- Concord
- Corona
- Dixon
- El Cajon
- Elk Grove
- Folsom
- Fresno
- Glendale
- Granada Hills
- Hemet
- Kerman
- Livermore
- Menifee
- Moreno Valley
- Murrieta
- Norco
- North Hollywood
- Oakland
- Oceanside
- Pasadena
- Pleasanton
- Prather
- Rancho Cordova
- Redwood City
- Reedley
- Riverside
- Rocklin
- Roseville
- Sacramento
- Salinas
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Jose
- San Rafael
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Cruz
- Shafter
- Shaver Lake
- South Gate
- Studio City
- Toluca Lake
- Upland
- Walnut Creek
- West Sacramento
Top companies in California
See all on the mapWhat to know about pest control in California
California homeowners face two kinds of termites, a very common household ant and the tick that spreads Lyme disease. The right treatment depends on which pest you have, so a good inspection matters. California also has its own state board that licenses pest control companies.
Common pests in California
The University of California's statewide pest management program (UC IPM) publishes guidance on each of these.
- Subterranean termites. UC IPM ranks the subterranean termite as California's most important termite pest. See our page on termites.
- Drywood termites. The western drywood termite is the state's second most important termite pest. It is common along the Pacific coast and reaches into the Central Valley and the deserts of Southern California. Except for removing infested wood, UC IPM says homeowners should hire a professional, because the products needed are not sold to the public.
- Argentine ants. UC IPM calls the Argentine ant the most common ant in and around homes and gardens in California. See our page on ants.
- Western blacklegged ticks. This tick spreads Lyme disease in California and has been reported in nearly every county. Lyme disease is uncommon in the state overall, but the northwestern counties of Trinity, Humboldt and Mendocino have the highest rates. See our page on fleas and ticks.
Who licenses pest control companies in California
The Structural Pest Control Board, part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses companies and individuals who do pest control in and around homes and buildings. You can check a company or technician through the board's license search page, which explains how to use the Department of Consumer Affairs lookup. Cancelled licenses don't appear in the search, so call the board if you need to know about one.
How to check a company before you hire
- Look up the company and the technician on the board's license search before you agree to an inspection.
- For termites, ask whether they found subterranean or drywood termites and what they saw. The treatment options are very different.
- Ask what the plan includes, how many visits are covered and what happens if the pests come back.
- Get the inspection report, the treatment plan and any warranty in writing.
- Read reviews from other California customers. You can write a review of a company you've used, and read how reviews work.