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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Pests can be a living nightmare, particularly in a place like San Diego, which typically has hot summers. Without a pest control treatment plan in place, the chance of recurring infestation is high.
There are many exterminators to select from, which makes finding the best one for your needs difficult. For that reason, we’ve put together a list of the best pest control companies in San Diego. Read on to learn more about each exterminator.
Proactive solutions for pest control
Lack of hidden fees
Free inspections
Positive customer service reviews
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
Transparent pricing
Reviews praise customer service
No-cost inspections
Services Offered
No-cost inspections
Lack of hidden fees
Reviews praise customer service
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Services Offered
Educational web content
Transparent pricing
Reviews praise customer service
Free inspections
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Consistently high customer service reviews
Educational web content
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Educational web content
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Free inspections
Services Offered
Reviews praise customer service
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Transparent pricing
Reliable appointment windows
Free inspection policy
Services Offered
Commitment to customer education
No-cost inspections
Transparent pricing
Positive customer service reviews
Services Offered
Helpful homeowner content on its website
Free inspections
Transparent pricing
Continuous highly praised customer service reports
Reliable exterminators
Services Offered
Reviews praise customer service
Timeliness of service
No-cost inspections
Educational web content
Lack of hidden fees
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 companies, we considered factors including types of pest control treatments offered, coverage, customer service, industry experience, and more.
This is how the top pest control companies in San Diego ranked:
Terminix ranks as one of the top four pest control companies worldwide, and it has been helping homeowners and businesses with their pest problems for over 90 years. With this breadth of experience, you can see why Terminix is a top choice for many homeowners.
Terminix helps with many types of pests in San Diego, and it guarantees that your pest problems will be solved. In addition to pest control, Terminix has services, like moisture control, home disinfection services, attic insulation, 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. Its exterminators must complete 160 hours of training. Additionally, due to its large network, it can often provide next-day — or even same-day — service.
Orkin’s most popular pest control service plan is its annual pest control contract. Orkin’s typical pest control plan is also seasonal, meaning your home will be treated several times during the year.
Founded in 1925, Rentokil has close to 100 years’ worth of experience protecting residents from pests. Rentokil is the parent company of several North American pest control providers such as Presto-X, Western Exterminator, and J.C. Ehrlich, which provide tailored services.
Rentokil and its partners control for the following pests: moths, mosquitoes, ants, bees, wasps, flies, spiders, cockroaches, crickets, and bed bugs. The company guarantees satisfaction with its treatments. If you still have pests after service, Rentokil will visit again until the issue is resolved.
Pest control companies vary in reputation, expertise, and effectiveness. It's important to research providers to find the right fit for your pest problem. Focus on these key factors when choosing a pest control professional:
It's best to choose a pest control company that is equipped to handle your specific problem, whether it's termites, bed bugs, roaches, rodents, or something else. The company should provide detailed explanations of its expertise with your specific 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 completed proper training. You'll also want to inquire with each company about regular education updates for their employees.
Look through reviews on Google, Yelp, and similar sites before scheduling a pest control appointment. Ensure by reading reviews that the company reliably provides effective service and receives positive customer feedback. Also check the Better Business Bureau website for any complaints that have been filed. Ask whether technicians receive ongoing education on the newest and most advanced pest control treatments. When you choose a provider from our list of San Diego's best pest control, you can rest easy knowing you're hiring an expert that meets our quality and review standards.
Search for companies with “green” certifications if you want more natural, eco-friendly pest control. You can also ask about gentle catch and release methods for larger animals like mice or snakes. Keep in mind that stronger solutions might be a better option for significant infestations. Whether you choose eco-friendly or traditional options, all pesticides that are classified as greater than minimal risk must be registered with the EPA.
Reputable pest control professionals usually offer service warranties for continuing plans. The guarantees mean that a company will make another visit to re-treat your home free of charge if pests remain after the initial treatment. One-off treatments typically don't include these reservice guarantees.
Once you have identified your top exterminators, reach out to each one to ask these questions:
Take the time to thoroughly evaluate pest control companies using these questions. This will enable you to select a qualified provider to effectively manage your pest situation at a fair price.
Many types of pests like to find their way into San Diego residences. Some are relatively harmless, but others can damage your home and your health. All of them can give homeowners anxiety. For an idea of the most common pests in the city, we analyzed the pests talked about in around 10 million social media posts.
The best pest control companies are Terminix and Orkin. They cover all common pests, have many locations, and have been in the industry for several 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 house.
Pest control involves getting rid of unwanted bugs like bed bugs, cockroaches, and other unwanted bugs or animals from your property. When you hire a pest control company, a professional will do an inspection. Then they will use various methods to remove the pests and stop them from coming back, such as chemical or natural sprays, bait, and traps.
Many San Diego homeowners are concerned about the cost of pest control. Monthly pest control typically costs $40 to $70 a visit. Quarterly pest control costs about $110 to $250 per visit. To determine exactly how much it will cost for you, we recommend getting in touch with several companies for an estimate.
We advise quarterly pest control, or even bi-monthly in San Diego, where pests can be more common because of the heat. For more serious infestations, your exterminator may recommend monthly treatments over the course of the first three to six months.