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How to Find the Best San Mateo County, CA Exterminator & Pest Control Specialist

When it seems like you've tried everything to control your ant, termite, or cockroach problems, the next step is a call to a San Mateo County pest control company. Experienced with insect and rodent infestation, San Mateo County exterminators can quickly eradicate your pest problems with the latest methods and products. The following articles can help you find an affordable pest control company in the Redwood City, South San Francisco and Burlingame areas so you can finally get rid of your pest problems. more »

Updated November 29, 2007

Top 5 Exterminators & Pest Control Companies in San Mateo County

Complete Pest Control
(650) 839-9999
923 Arguello St
Redwood City, CA 94063

Areas Served: San Mateo, Redwood City, Burlingame, Atherton, Hillsborough, Foster City, Belmont CA
Services: exterminators for all pest extermination & pest control incl. bee removal & wasp removal

Cam AM Pest Control
(650) 369-1514
332 Poplar Ave
Woodside, CA 94061

Areas Served: Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Atherton
Services: local exterminators for pest control, bee eradication, wasp eradication

A & R Termite Control
(650) 347-9512
1118 E 5th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94402

Areas Served: San Mateo, Burlingame, Redwood City, Woodside, Menlo Park, Atherton, Belmont CA
Services: extermination services for termite problems, ant problems, silverfish, wasp removal

Chief Stewart's Pest Control
(650) 321-0261
139 Santiago Ave
Woodside, CA 94061

Areas Served: San Mateo, Menlo Park, Burlingame, Redwood City, Brisbane, Atherton, San Carlos
Services: extermination of pest infestations, incl. insecticide spraying, pesticide spraying

Hastie Termite Co
(650) 347-6717
701 Chester Way
Hillsborough, CA 94010

Areas Served: San Mateo, Hillsborough, Foster City, Atherton, Belmont CA, Redwood City, Menlo Park
Services: rat exterminators, mouse control, extermination of cockroaches, termites, wasps, bees

How to Find the Best San Mateo County, CA Exterminator & Pest Control Specialist 

No matter how hard you work to keep your home immaculate, bugs find a way in. Ants in the winter, spiders in the summer—somehow these tiny nuisances outsmart our best efforts. Fortunately, you aren't on your own. Exterminators specialize in the eradication of nearly every household pest found in San Mateo County. And exterminators can help you avoid future infestations with regular pest control procedures. If you've finally maxed out your gross factor and decided to get some help removing bothersome insect or rodent visitors, The Prime Buyer's Report can help you find a great pest control company in San Mateo County.

San Mateo County Pest Control Specialists Perform Numerous Services
Exterminators don't just get rid of cockroaches and spiders. They can eradicate a number of annoying and potentially harmful vermin. In many cases, pest infestations do pose certain health risks, so the total removal of the population is essential. Since most consumer-rated products are not guaranteed to wipe out whole nests (and consumers aren't trained in proper application), pest control companies are vital to pest problem remediation. Many are certified to service industrial, commercial, residential or food service environments with insect problems or larger fare, such as moles and squirrels. They'll employ various forms of rodent control, including rodent seal out, rodent cleanup, rodent infestation proofing, rat control, mice control, baiting and trapping, and dead animal removal. Though they may be gone after treatment, mosts pests manage to find their way back in. But not to worry—in addition to removal tactics, exterminators can take certain measures to avoid repeat offenders. The various forms of treatment include moisture barriers, bird barriers, bat exclusions, sump pumps, electro-guns, microwaves, foams, heat treatments, and perimeter treatments. But if you're looking for more humane and environmentally friendly forms of pest abatement, several exterminators share your concerns. All San Mateo County pest control companies must be licensed, bonded and insured to practice in the state of California, and some additionally hold organic certification. These companies use organic substances, no poison, no snares, no traps, no aerosols, and no sprays of any kind. When it comes to bug troubles, they often keep an entomologist on staff to advise on appropriate methods of insect control. Such expertise enables exterminators to completely eradicate just about any creepy-crawly infestation you've been overrun with, including silverfish, fleas, ticks, moths, bees, cockroaches, spiders, ticks, wasps, crickets, drywood termites, earwigs, subterranean termites, pillbugs, carpet beetles, bed bugs, Argentine ants, carpenter ants, carpet beetles, sowbugs, and various pantry pests. Pest control experts can also kill or control bats, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, foxes, pigeons, snakes, and even scorpions. Pest control companies also offer services for outdoor vegetation issues. Plant life is vulnerable to pestilence as well, and treatment options are usually not available to non-professionals. Pest control companies can manage folivorous parasites and pests with tree spraying, sudden oak death treatment, rose and ornamental spraying, poison oak control, tree injections, and deep root feedings. Additionally, some pest control companies offer more than pest eradication, such as escrow services, underfloor work, structural damage repairs, and wood control. Several pest control companies also offer 24 hour service, same day service, regular maintenance, and single application treatments. This holistic approach ensures fast and efficacious work from the extermination company you choose.

Choose From a Large Selection of Exterminators and Pest Control Companies in San Mateo County
There are quite a few local exterminators to choose from, each varying in price and ability. The Prime Buyer's Report has listed the top 10 exterminators in San Mateo County as Complete Pest Control, Cam AM Pest Control, A & R Termite Control, Chief Stewart's Pest Control, Hastie Termite Co. These San Mateo County pest control companies have a history of respectable business practices as well: .

There are Many Ways to Research Pest Control Companies in San Mateo County
When it comes to gauging pest control companies, certifications are important, but so is quality, experience, business history, and reputation. You can get a better feel for these attributes on the internet and in related publications. We understand the risks of an unguided search - inaccuracy, company or manufacturer bias and money motivation can all taint the information you find. That's why The Prime Buyer's Report has located some "clean" resources that have genuinely helpful and consumer-friendly information. For a list of these sources, see The Prime Buyer's Report article, "Key Resources for Pest Control in San Mateo County".

Updated November 29, 2007
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How to Choose an Exterminator or Pest Control Company 

You've decided to use the help of the local San Mateo County pest control or exterminator service, so you've make some calls and scheduled some interviews. Now what? The following is a step-by-step guide to help you secure the best outcome for your pest remediation.

Step 1: Describe Work
Explain the nature of your pest problems. Try and identify infestations or swarms, and locate any hives or nests you can find (but please, be careful!). Report this information consistently so that each pest control specialist has the same facts with which to propose a solution and generate a quote.

Step 2: Answer Questions & Take Notes
You'll learn a lot by the questions each exterminator asks. The level of detail he uses is directly related to his knowledge base, and you want to be sure that he can properly diagnose and treat your problem. It also gives you an impression of his commitment to the job. If he doesn't thoroughly assess the situation, he probably won't thoroughly treat it, and you want to avoid repeat treatments at all costs.

Step 3: Ask Questions & Take Notes
Look at the personal notes you've made about the job and the service. Then select the most appropriate questions from the list below to modify what you've already learned about each exterminator. Take notes on the replies. You'll use them to make your final decision when the time comes.

How long has your company been in business?
How long have you been a pest control technician?
Are you certified by the California State Structural Pest Control Board?
Do you specialize in the type of work I've described?
How long should it take to eradicate the infestation, and will it require any return visits?
Do you carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?
Will you provide a written estimate?
In the event that the intial treatment fails, are repeat treatments free?
Do you provide a warranty for your services?
How do you break down your pricing?
Will I need to leave during the procedure?
Do you use toxic chemicals?
Do you use traps?
Will the treatment adversely affect the health of my children, pets, or myself?


Step 4: Making a Preliminary Decision
After you've held several interviews, it's time to whittle down your list of potential companies. Compare the answers to your questions and any other notes you made with each exterminator. Measuring the results against your personal criteria will help you assess which San Mateo County pest control company will be your best provider.

Step 5: Final Research
Before you seal the deal, do a small bit of final research. You'll need to make sure that your chosen specialist is properly credentialed, so verify Structural Pest Control Board certification, licensing from the Department of Pesticide Regulation licensing, Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership.

Step 6: Making the Final Decision
Now it's time make an appointment with your exterminator. Call to ask any final questions and confirm that your technician will arrive with a written pricing, timing, quality, and warranty agreement.

Updated November 29, 2007
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Key Resources for Exterminators & Pest Control in San Mateo County 

The following list can help you research the pest control industry in San Mateo County.

Associations & Licensing
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.gov)
CAPCA California Association of Pest Control Advisers (www.capca.com)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
DPR Department of Pesticide Regulation (www.cdpr.ca.gov)
EPA Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov)
GC Green California (www.green.ca.gov)
NPMA National Pest Management Association (www.pestworld.org)
PCOC Pest Control Operators of California (www.pcoc.org)
SPCB Structural Pest Control Board (www.pestboard.ca.gov)

Web & Media Resources
California Agriculture Magazine
Pest Control Technology Magazine
Pest Control Magazine
Probe Magazine

www.ento.vt.edu/bughunt
http://moncom.net/moncompest.asp
http://npic.orst.edu
www.pestcontrolportal.com
www.pestweb.com

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 extermination companies and pest control companies in San Mateo County within the following zip codes.

94027, 94002, 94005, 94015, 94010, 94014, 94062, 94404, 94019, 94020, 94021, 94025, 94028, 94030, 94038, 94044, 94060, 94061, 94063, 94065, 94066, 94096, 94098, 94070, 94128, 94074, 94401, 94402, 94403, 94080, 94083, 94064, 94037, 94026, 94018, 94017, 94016 and 94011

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 extermination and pest control companies in San Mateo County within the following cities.

San Francisco, Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Broadmoor Vlg, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, Emerald Hills, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, La Honda, Loma Mar, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Moss Beach, Pacifica, Palomar Park, Pescadero, Portola Valley, Princeton by the Sea, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Gregorio, San Mateo, Sharp Park, South San Francisco, West Menlo Park, Woodside, El Granada and Montara

Updated November 29, 2007
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9 Extermination & Pest Control Tips 

Take Time Choosing Your Pest Control Company.
Don't immediately choose the most widely-advertised pest control company. Expensive marketing doesn't necessarily indicate superior quality or the most favorable cost. There is a wide range of pricing and quality within the industry and you don't want to end up with a bad choice for lack of effort on your part. You have a better chance of solving your pest problems by doing research and exploring candidates ahead of time.

Talk to Several Extermination and Pest Control Companies.
Talk to a few different exterminators to get an idea of what you can expect to pay. But remember, don't just shoot for the cheapest company. Above all, you need a pest control company that can effectively complete your pest control in as few visits as possible.

Research Your Problem.
Before you consider hiring a professional, educate yourself about the nature of your infestation. You can do some research online to identify the particular pests, and you can get a general idea of what might be attracting them to your home. There may even be temporary fixes you can apply to reduce the problem before you enlist a professional pest control company.

Prepare a Description of the Job.
You can find the best pest control company if you can accurately convey the problem. Take note of infestation types and history, and present every detail (in written form, if possible) to each potential pest control company. This way, every company can quote the same service without risk of error.

Get it in Writing.
Make sure your San Mateo County exterminator can provide you with a written agreement that includes the services to be performed, pricing, warranty information, and a timeframe for completion.

Do Your Homework Before You Sign an Agreement.
For pest control jobs around San Mateo County, be sure to check licenses and any other relevant credentials before you sign. Checking with other businesses and previous customers as well will give you a well-rounded perspective from which to base your decision.

Choose Certified Companies.
Some exterminators have been recognized for excellent customer satisfaction records. In San Mateo County, those that have earned Diamond Certification or have been featured positively in consumer-targeted publications are more likely to perform the highest quality work.

Agree in Advance to Look Over the Finished Work.
After the job is completed, have the technician bring you to the treated areas and describe the treatments he applied. Ask about his projections for the success of the treatment and techniques you can use to maintain the affected areas. If the services completed by the pest control technician do not correspond to the agreement he provided, don't let it get overlooked.

Know Your Rights.
Consumers have some special rights depending on where they live. You're dealing with exterminators in San Mateo County, so applicable details are available at the Web site for the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Updated November 29, 2007
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Exterminators in San Mateo County Apply Many Brands 

The chemicals used by professional pest control companies in San Mateo County are much more effective (as well as volatile) than what laymen have access to. They use reputable, EPA approved products to perform treatments. The following is a partial list of the professional-grade compound brands used by local extermination and pest control companies: Sentricon, Pest Defense System, EcoPCU, Steri-Fab, PI Contact Insecticide, Precor, Ultracide, Whitmire, EcoEXEMPT, Viper, Petcor, Nixalite, Woodpecker, Terro, Pantry Patrol, Maxforce, Pro Control, Advantage, and Drax.

Updated November 29, 2007
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Diamond Certified