The ConsumerAffairs Research Team considered the availability of services, local customer feedback and other factors to select the best pest control companies in San Diego, California. Read our full methodology for all the details on how we made top picks.
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Available 24/7 | Free estimates | Free inspections | Fumigation | Wildlife control | Satisfaction guarantee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 3.7
2,022 reviews
2,022 reviews
| Best overall |  | |  | | | | Learn more |
 | 4.4
12,739 reviews
12,739 reviews
| Recurring services | | | | | | | Learn more |
 | 1.4
147 reviews
147 reviews
| Emergency services | | | | | | | Learn more |
Jump into our guides and start learning
We researched the best pest control companies to help you make the right choice for your home or business.
San Diego’s mild year-round Mediterranean climate makes it a haven for many pests.
Jump to insightA one-time pest control service is typically between $150 and $500. On the higher end, severe infestations can cost thousands to resolve.
Jump to insightMany pest control experts in San Diego have specific specialties, like using chemical-free products or dealing with bedbugs.
Jump to insightIn addition to spiders, mosquitoes, rodents, termites and roaches, you might also have problems with pincher bugs, carpet beetles, clothing moths, gnats, silverfish and carpenter ants.
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San Diego exterminator costs vary depending on the severity of your infestations. Expect to pay $150 and $500 for a one-time service. However, fixing an extreme bedbug, rodent or termite infestation can cost $2,000 or more. About two-thirds of the homeowners who treated pests in the past year paid up to $1,000, and 30% spent up to $5,000, according to a ConsumerAffairs survey.
How much you pay also depends on the company and the frequency of visits. Before the pest control operator visits your property, you should get a free quote or estimate. You'll have a more detailed estimate once the technician arrives and completes an inspection.
Most exterminators make it easy for you to contact online or by phone. Here’s what to consider before making your final decision.
1. Know your enemy: First, narrow it down to exterminators specializing in your problem. When you get in touch, you will likely be asked where you see the pests, how often and if there is any visible damage.
2. Read reviews: A few negative reviews are normal, but a pattern of consistently bad experiences is a major warning sign. You can also ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.
Reputable exterminators often display their license number on their website, vehicles or marketing materials.
3. Check credentials: You can confirm a pest control company’s license through the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). We also suggest hiring companies with additional certifications through the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
4. Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three different exterminators. Make sure your estimates are detailed, including the type of treatment, frequency of and price of service visits. Be wary of companies that only highlight their low prices without mentioning the quality of service or offering a satisfaction guarantee.
5. Ask questions: Ask if they use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, which focus on long-term prevention and minimize pesticide use. Discuss safety measures and any necessary precautions if you have children or pets. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification on any part of the contract you don't understand.
6. Get ready: Your exterminator might give pre-treatment instructions, like cleaning, decluttering or securing pets. If follow-up visits are needed, make sure you know what the schedule will be.
Pest problems in San Diego
San Diego’s warm climate may be comfortable for people, but it’s also pleasant for its pest population. Dry weather in the region, especially in the eastern desert parts of the county, brings ants indoors looking for water and nesting areas. Visit the San Diego County Vector Control for more pest control information and resources.
California kingsnakes, coachwhips, gopher snakes and garter snakes are a few common species found in San Diego that are harmless to humans. However, several species of rattlesnake are common in the county and are extremely venomous.
Even though the terms “pest control” and “exterminator” are often used interchangeably, there are some key distinctions:
Termite damage isn’t usually covered by home insurance, but some home warranty plans do.
» MORE: Home warranty vs. home insurance
You might handle small infestations yourself, but professional pest control is often necessary to solve the underlying problem and prevent pests from returning. Minor issues like moths might seem harmless, but serious ones like rodents can threaten your family's safety and damage your property. About 16% of Americans report experiencing health issues due to pest infestations, ConsumerAffairs found. Even worse, 17% say they have been judged for having pests in their homes.
» MORE: Pest control statistics
Cockroaches looking for warmth, food and water can squeeze into extremely small cracks in a home’s walls, windows or foundation or crawl into pipes. They can also hitch a ride in lunchboxes, briefcases or packages. A cockroach can lay eggs almost anywhere they find a dark place with adequate food and water. Eggs can travel via clothing, books, bags and packages.
Yes, ants can spread bacterial and fungal organisms. Pharaoh ants, especially, have been known to transmit salmonella, staphylococcus, clostridium and streptococcus within medical and food facilities.
Placing bay leaves in pantries and cupboards to deter insects. Diatomaceous earth, a natural powder, can also be used to kill crawling insects. Some essential oils, like peppermint and tea tree oil, can repel certain pests. Sealing cracks and proper food storage can also naturally deter pests.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team considered pest control company services, availability and reviews to make our top picks.
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| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.9
28 reviews
| Offers year-round pest control services in 36 states. Treats both interior and exterior of property. Free re-treatments if pests return between scheduled services. No free inspections. | Read reviews |
| 4.4
12,739 reviews
| Provides standard pest control services for over a dozen types of insects and rodents, with optional add-ons available. One-time services cost $150 to $200; ongoing treatment costs $60 to $80 per month. Locations across the U.S. | Read reviews |
| 3.7
2,022 reviews
| Specializes in most pests and small rodents. All services are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and include free touch-ups between treatments. Available nationwide for residential and commercial services. | Read reviews |
 | 1.9
16 reviews
| Offers science-based techniques for commercial application. On-site consultation is required to establish a targeted program for pests. Services are designed for food service, retail, hospitality and health care industries. | Read reviews |
| 1.4
147 reviews
| Treats most common insects, rodents, birds and other types of pests. Pricing is provided after a consultation or survey. Discounts are available. Services California, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. | Read reviews |
 | No reviews | Offers curated lawn care using nontoxic product formulas. Free lawn and soil analysis. Three customizable subscription plans. Seasonal deliveries. Science-backed formulas. Serves lawns with multiple grass types. | |
 | No reviews | Provides a wide range of services custom-designed to address any issues you may be having with termites, bedbugs, fleas, ants, spiders and rodents. Lawn care services also available. | |
 | No reviews | Specializes in high-tech, low-toxicity methods to combat termites, rodents and other pests. Provides effective termite control with the least amount of chemicals. | |
 | No reviews | Specializes in treating common problems for black and brown widow spiders as well as mice and rats. Free emergency service calls between regularly scheduled visits. | |
 | No reviews | Provides free termite inspections for all residential and business customers. | |
 | No reviews | Specializes in treatments for wood-boring beetles. In addition to offering pest control for termites and other common nuisances, it operates an informational pest control blog on its website. |
Thrasher Termite and Pest Control provides treatment for wood-boring beetles. In addition to offering pest control for termites and other common nuisances, it operates an informational pest control blog on its website.
ECOLA specializes in high-tech, low-toxicity methods to combat termites, rodents and other pests. The company provides effective termite control with the least amount of chemicals.
Clark Pest Control provides a wide range of services custom-designed to address any issues you may be having with termites, bedbugs, fleas, ants, spiders and rodents. The company also offers lawn care services.
Joshua's Pest Control specializes in treating common problems for black and brown widow spiders as well as mice and rats. Free emergency service calls between regularly scheduled visits.
Lloyd Pest Control provides free termite inspections for all residential and business customers. The company offers a money-back guarantee.
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
