Maybe you’ve been a pest control customer for years, but your favorite pest control provider was recently acquired by a huge corporation, like Terminix, Orkin, or Western, and you still want to work with a family-run company.
Maybe you’re new to the pest control landscape altogether, and you’re struggling to tell which companies offer which services.
Either way, you’re doing your research and trying to find the best pest control company in the San Francisco Bay Area for your needs.
Luckily, we’re here to help.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the San Francisco Bay Area’s major players in the pest control industry.
We’ve clicked through the websites of these companies and compiled a list of their features and benefits so that anyone searching for an exterminator can get familiar with these companies at a glance.
While this list is not all-inclusive, it does provide a comprehensive overview of the most notable companies in the Bay Area, and what each of them offers.
Ready to find your perfect pest control fit?
Let’s dive in.
The 9 Best Pest Control Companies in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2024
Pest control companies provide a variety of services. Most will inspect your home, create customized treatment plans, treat and eliminate infestations, and make a plan to prevent future infestations. Some also provide ongoing monitoring services to help keep your pest problem from recurring.
In some cases, pest control companies also offer insulation, cleaning, and disinfection services. If you’re looking for a pest control company that serves the San Francisco area, here are a few we recommend:
1. Smith’s Pest Management: Best Overall
It’s our blog so we’re naming Smith’s as the best family-owned pest control company in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Here’s why:
We believe that the Bay Area pest control marketplace is diverse and feature-packed, but we also believe Smith’s Pest Management stands out on several important points.
While talking to our customers and the general public, we realized that there are a few things people want from a pest control provider that many of the exterminators around the Bay Area just don’t provide.
Smith’s Pest Management has listened to these needs – especially when it comes to the demand for organic, green, or low-toxicity pest control options. Many people are nervous about pesticides and rodenticides but want to eliminate ants, spiders, cockroaches, rats, and mice. We understand this, and we’ve tailored our services to deliver on that point.
While it’s impossible to call any pest control material completely safe or nontoxic, there are some excellent botanical, naturally-derived pest control materials on the FIFRA 25B list. These pest control options are made of materials typically regarded as safe, such as essential oils from plants.
In business for more than 15 years, our team has the skills, expertise, and industry experience to deploy these pest control options effectively, and to offer a safe, integrated pest management approach.
Why Choose Smith’s?
- We’re a local, family-owned, eco-conscious company.
- The owner of Smith’s is a local resident who is committed to deploying creative solutions using his knowledge, his horticulture degree from Cal Poly, and his long-term experience as a landscape architect and burrowing pest specialist.
- Professional, reliable service and pest control technicians.
- Specializing in burrowing pest and rodent control services in the Bay Area.
- Personalized, tailored service.
- Rapid response time for phone, email, and chat inquiries.
- Green pest control options.
- Highly-trained specialists.
- Family- and pet-friendly solutions.
- Customer satisfaction guarantee.
- $50 off Pest Maintenance Plans.
Company Headquarters? San Jose, CA
Serves the San Francisco Bay Area? ✓
Locally owned / family-owned? ✓
Get a free quote? ✓
Offers green pest control? ✓
Offers wildlife control? ✓
Offers commercial pest control? ✓
Offers tree & yard treatment? ✓
BBB Rating: 5/5 stars
Google Reviews rating: 4.6/5 stars
Online chat? ✓
2. Western Exterminator
Western Exterminator was founded in 1921 and is a member of the Rentokil family of pest control services, which has operations in more than 50 countries around the world.
In the U.S., Western Exterminator has locations in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada. One of Western Exterminator’s most notable services is their Pestfree365 Plan, which provides year-round protection against 36 of the most common pests in California.
Why Western Exterminator?
- Highly trained, state-licensed pest specialists.
- A wide assortment of pest control products & services.
- Family- and pet-friendly pest control solutions.
- Customer satisfaction guarantee.
- Green pest management services.
- Commercial disinfection services are available.
- New customer discounts and promotions available.
Cons:
- Western Exterminator is a massive company, which means customers may miss out on the local service and knowledge required for comprehensive and effective pest management.
- Some pest control company reviews have reported a lack of follow-through after appointments and phone contacts and pest control technicians who do not arrive for scheduled appointments.
Company Headquarters? Anaheim, CA
Serves the San Francisco Bay Area? ✓
Locally owned / family-owned? No
Get a free quote? ✓
Offers green pest control? ✓
Offers wildlife control? ✓
Offers commercial pest control? ✓
Offers tree & yard treatment? ✗
BBB Rating: 1/5 stars
Google Reviews rating: 4.1/5 star average across Bay Area locations
Online chat? ✗
3. Orkin
Orkin was founded in 1901 by then-fourteen-year-old Otto Orkin. Orkin owns a 30,000-square-foot training facility in Atlanta, GA, where Orkin technicians receive in-depth pest control training.
All technicians are educated using credited class work from Purdue University, as well as specialty- and industry-specific materials. In addition to routine pest control, Orkin also offers integrated plans to keep your whole home safe and pest-free. Orkin also offers moisture control and insulation services.
Why Orkin?
- Award-winning training and advanced technology.
- Guaranteed- 30-Day money-back guarantee.
- Science-backed pest management approaches.
- More than 100 years in business.
Cons:
- Orkin is a large chain with many offices throughout the country, which can lead to problems with responsiveness, scheduling, and communication.
- Customers have complained that Orkin techs do not respond to calls or arrive for scheduled appointments.
- Some customers complain of poor customer service and not enough ways to reach out to or communicate with the customer support team.
Company Headquarters? Atlanta, GA
Serves the San Francisco Bay Area? ✓
Locally owned / family-owned? ✗
Get a free quote? ✓
Offers green pest control? ✓
Offers wildlife control? ✓
Offers commercial pest control? ✓
Offers tree & yard treatment? Lawn care only
BBB Rating: 3.81/5 stars
Google Reviews rating: 4.0/5 star average across Bay Area locations
Online chat? ✗
4. Terminix
Terminix is one of the world’s largest pest control companies, with locations in 47 states and 22 countries. It is a subsidiary of Terminix Global Holdings. Terminix offers one-off pest treatment as well as more comprehensive pest management plans for customers.
Why Terminix?
- Long-lasting protection options for homes and businesses.
- The Terminix Promise™ guarantees that, if pests return between treatments, the Terminix team will return to get rid of them at no additional cost.
- Terminix has delivered termite and pest solutions for more than 90 years.
- 24/7 service options.
- Online account management for convenience and simplicity.
- Highly-trained technicians.
- Terminix also offers crawl space services, attic insulation services, and home disinfecting options.
Cons:
- Terminix is a large company with many offices throughout the country, which tends to make techs less responsive.
- Customers have complained that Terminix techs are occasionally difficult to reach and that it can be challenging to schedule local appointments with technicians.
- Some pest control company reviews say that Terminix does not offer prompt enough service for pressing pest control issues.
Company Headquarters? Memphis, TN
Serves the San Francisco Bay Area? ✓
Locally owned / family-owned? ✗
Get a free quote? ✓
Offers green pest control? ✓
Offers wildlife control? ✓
Offers commercial pest control? ✓
Offers tree & yard treatment? ✗
BBB Rating: 1.19/5 stars
Google Reviews rating: 3.7/5 stars average across Bay Area locations
Online chat? ✗
5. Dewey Pest Control
Dewey Pest Control was founded by Ray M. Dewey in 1929. Today, Dewey Pest Control offers a variety of environmentally-friendly pest control methods with proven “Earth-Friendly” products. The company has 32 branches throughout the state of California.
Why Dewey Pest Control?
- Dedicated teams.
- If your pest problem persists after one treatment, the Dewey team will return at no cost.
- Flexible scheduling.
- All products are proven to be “Earth-Friendly”, as well as pet- and child-friendly.
- Dewey offers Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which strikes a balance between environmental protection and effective pest control.
Cons:
- Customers have complained Dewey Pest Control technicians are difficult to contact and schedule with.
- Some customers have experienced techs who do not arrive for scheduled appointments, or who show up at unscheduled times.
- Reports of payment discrepancies (customers being overcharged for services).
Company Headquarters? Pasadena, CA
Serves the San Francisco Bay Area? ✓
Locally owned/family-owned? ✓
Get a free quote? ✓
Offers green pest control? ✓
Offers wildlife control? ✓
Offers commercial pest control? ✓
Offers tree & yard treatment? ✓
BBB Rating: 1.75/5 stars
Google Reviews rating: 4/5 star average across Bay Area locations
Online chat? ✗
6. Clark Pest Control
Clark Pest Control is a big name in the pest solutions industry. Many of their technicians are GreenPro certified. GreenPro is the National Pest Management Association’s comprehensive and rigorous certification program, which focuses on creating ecology-conscious pest management providers. They offer a variety of pest control services as well as COVID-19 cleaning and sanitation services. The company was recently acquired by Orkin.
Why Clark Pest Control?
- Same-day appointments.
- Year-round services. Comprehensive pest control for birds, spiders, termites, bed bugs, birds, wildlife, and more.
- Pest control for homes and businesses.
Cons:
- Some customers have reported that Clark’s initial inspections aren’t comprehensive and that the team treats only a fraction of the pests that are truly present.
- Many customers complain of recurrent infestations, and being charged for follow-up services.
- Some customers have reported that technicians do not arrive for scheduled follow-up services, creating inadequate and incomplete pest management.
Company Headquarters? Lodi, CA
Serves the San Francisco Bay Area? ✓
Locally owned / family-owned? ✗
Get a free quote? ✓
Offers green pest control? ✓
Offers wildlife control? ✗
Offers commercial pest control? ✓
Offers tree & yard treatment? Lawn care only
BBB Rating: 1.67/5 stars
Google Reviews rating: 4.6/5 stars
Online chat? ✓
7. Earl’s Pest Control
Earl’s Pest Control is a San Jose-based pest control company that offers certified technicians and residential and commercial pest control services. The company caters to customers in San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Alameda County, and Santa Cruz County. The team provides pest management, rodent and wildlife control, bed bug control, and more.
Why Earl’s Pest Control?
- Free estimates available.
- Tree and yard treatments.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services.
- State-licensed for both structural and agricultural work.
- Same-day service is available.
- No contracts are required.
Cons:
- Some customers complain of spotty service, such as techs not arriving for scheduled appointments, or arriving at unscheduled times.
- Recurring billing issues, including customers being charged too much for services, and being billed multiple times.
- Some pest control company reviews complain that the front office is difficult to schedule with and very disorganized.
Company Headquarters? San Jose, CA
Serves the San Francisco Bay Area? ✓
Locally owned / family-owned? ✓
Get a free quote? ✓
Offers green pest control? ✓
Offers wildlife control? ✓
Offers commercial pest control? ✓
Offers tree & yard treatment? ✓
BBB Rating: N/A
Google Reviews rating: 3.5/5 stars
Online chat? ✗
8. Advanced IPM
Advanced IPM has been offering custom pest solutions for more than 39 years. Since 1981, this team has been providing residential and commercial pest control services, and an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to pest control. The company also offers tree, shrub, and lawn care, and specializes in helping create defensible space for California residents.
Why Advanced IPM?
- Eco-friendly treatments for homeowners and businesses.
- Pest-specific coverage
- Available Eco Advantage Program, which uses proactive strategies and green treatments to provide an effective pest management solution without excess chemicals.
- Available residential programs specifically designed to reduce environmental harms.
- Guaranteed service.
- Services for Organic / LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accounts
- Member of USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) since 2010.
- Technicians are trained on LEED procedures.
Cons:
- Customers have complained about techs who do not arrive for scheduled appointments or return calls inquiring about service.
- Quotes can be variable and are not always fixed, meaning the final bill may be higher than the initial estimate.
Company Headquarters? Roseville, CA
Serves the San Francisco Bay Area? ✓
Locally owned / family-owned? ✓
Get a free quote? ✓
Offers green pest control? ✓
Offers wildlife control? ✓
Offers commercial pest control? ✓
Offers tree & yard treatment? ✓
BBB Rating: N/A
Google Reviews rating: 4.9/5 stars
Online chat? ✗
9. Planet Orange
Planet Orange offers professional, creative, eco-friendly pest control solutions for San Jose and San Francisco customers. Committed to kid- and pet-safe pest management treatments, Planet Orange uses botanical solutions in addition to conventional treatments.
Why Planet Orange?
- Dedicated teams committed to finding creative, eco-friendly pest control solutions that are sustainable and effective.
- Personal service.
- Detailed pest treatment plans, which will allow for effective eco-friendly pest control.
- A range of available treatment plans for different situations.
- Customer satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
- Customers complain treatments do not get rid of all pests.
- Teams can be difficult to book a time with and are often booked out for weeks or months at a time.
- Warranty issues are common.
- The team is not licensed to conduct duct clean-outs, which means dead insects are often left behind after treatment.
Company Headquarters? San Jose, CA
Serves the San Francisco Bay Area? ✓
Locally owned / family-owned? ✓
Get a free quote? ✗
Offers green pest control? ✓
Offers wildlife control? ✗
Offers commercial pest control? ✓
Offers tree & yard treatment? ✗
BBB Rating: 3.67/5
Google Reviews rating: 4.0/5 stars
Online chat? ✗
How to Choose the Best Pest Control Company in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2024
Choosing a pest management company can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to the process. Here are a few factors to keep top-of-mind during your search:
1. Cost
Keep your budget in check by understanding how the pest management company charges for their services. Most teams will give you an initial estimate over the phone, and a more detailed estimate after visiting your home. Since rates vary between companies, it’s always smart to get a few quotes before you decide on a company.
2. Reputation
Reliability and reputation are everything for pest management companies. Before you hire anyone, research how long they’ve been in business and read their online pest control company reviews to find out what customers are saying about them.
3. Licensing
Any exterminator you hire should be licensed or certified to perform services in your state. If you’re not sure the exterminator has the needed qualifications, verify with your astute department of agriculture or ask to see a copy of the certification in question.
4. Contracts
Any service you agree on should be set in writing. Ask for a contract before you begin any services, and read it over carefully.
5. Pesticide Use
Pesticides are dangerous for the environment and your family. Be sure that the company you hire uses botanical methods first, and only relies on pesticides as a last resort.
6. Termite Treatments
Most pest control companies provide termite service as a different offering, and the best teams guarantee it for 1-5 years.
If you have questions about a pest control company’s policies or process, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask.
Smith’s Pest Management: Offering the Best Pest Control in the Bay Area
Nobody wants to live with pests. Fortunately, getting rid of them makes your home a nicer place to live and cuts down on the risk of disease.
If you’re looking for effective, eco-conscious pest management services you can trust, look no further than Smith’s Pest Management. The best pest management company in the San Francisco Bay Area, we’re proud to serve residential and commercial clients and resolve all manner of pest issues.
Contact us today to learn more or request a free quote.
FAQ
Are pest control services worth the price?
If you want comprehensive pest control service, the answer is yes. When you hire an exterminator, you’re paying for specialized, in-depth expertise and convenience. For virtually every infestation, hiring a professional exterminator is the smartest choice.
How much does pest control service cost?
While prices vary from company to company, most teams charge between $250 to $500 for a single pest control visit. If you’d like a quarterly service plan, you can expect to pay between $70 to $135, four times a year.
How often should I hire pest control services?
To keep your property clean and pest-free, most companies recommend service at least four times a year, or every quarter. The ideal treatment frequency for your property will depend on the type and severity of infestation you’re facing.
Will I have to vacate the house during pest control?
Unless you’re having tented fumigation done, you won’t need to leave the house during service. You should, however, keep kids and pets away from the treated area until any pesticides used have dried.
What is the average cost for pest control service?
If you’re researching pest control services, it’s natural to wonder how much you’ll pay. Of course, the cost of services depends on a variety of factors, including the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, the number and type of treatments you’ll need, and your location.
As you’ll realize as you research, different companies offer different pricing and plans, so it’s tough to come up with an exact average. At the time of this writing, though, we’d say general pest control for a 2,000-square-foot home will be about $600-$700. If you’d like a more exact estimate, contact your pest control company directly.
What services does a pest control company provide?
Depending on their services and specialty, pest control companies offer a wide selection of services. Depending on the plan and company you choose, your pest control company may target specific insects and pests, or offer more general pest control services. Most pest control companies begin with an inspection to identify the type of pest present and discern the best pest control method for the situation.
Generally, there are three types of pest control methods: preventative, chemical, and traps. Preventative pest control focuses on discouraging infestations in the first place, chemical pest control uses chemicals (or pest-deterring botanicals and other natural products) to kill existing pests, and traps catch pests.
To provide more holistic pest management, many companies use an approach called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM involves an assortment of approaches, including the development and placement of barriers, improved sanitation, and other common pest control tactics like botanicals and traditional treatments.
Do I need monthly pest control?
It depends on your situation. While most pest control companies don’t offer monthly treatments, monthly treatments may be ideal for severe infestations or acute issues. Talk to your pest management company if you have questions about the ideal treatment frequency for your home.
How do pest management companies deal with termites?
Termites are a common pest, and they can be very difficult to get rid of. To address termite infestations, most pest control companies start by offering a termite inspection. During this inspection, they’ll evaluate access points, assess the size and severity of the current infestation, and develop a plan that’s tailored to your needs and your property.
While the specific treatment method varies, most teams use liquid termiticides to resolve infestations. Some teams may also use termite bait systems around the perimeter of your property. These bait systems create a protective barrier and help cut down on termite populations.
If your termite infestation is extreme, the pest control company may fumigate your home.
How long does it take for an exterminator to get rid of pests?
The answer to this question depends on the type of pest you’re dealing with. Getting rid of roaches, for example, will take between two weeks and a month or more. While some pests respond well to a single treatment, many need follow-up treatments to eradicate populations.