Frequently asked questions

What kind of ants are taking over my Vallejo home?

Almost certainly Argentine ants, the dominant species along the Bay Area coast. They form massive super-colonies that trail in through gaps around pipes, window frames, and door sweeps. DIY bait often breaks the trail temporarily but misses the colony.

How much does ant control cost in Vallejo?

A first visit with interior and exterior treatment runs $250–$400 for most homes. Homes with active Argentine ant super-colonies near the foundation may need a follow-up 2–3 weeks later. We re-treat for free if ants return between services.

How long until the ants are gone?

Most customers see the trails thin out within 24–48 hours. Full elimination typically takes 1–2 treatments. Argentine ants require patience, the goal is to get the bait back to the colony, not just knock down visible trails.

Are treatments safe for kids and dogs?

Yes. We use low-toxicity gel baits and exterior perimeter products that are dry-safe within 30–60 minutes. We'll walk you through any specific precautions for your home before we start.

Do you serve Benicia and American Canyon?

Yes. We cover all of Vallejo plus Benicia, American Canyon, Napa, Fairfield, and Suisun City.

What kind of roaches are in Vallejo homes?

Mostly German cockroaches (small, light brown, hide in kitchens and bathrooms) and Oriental cockroaches (larger, dark, come up through drains and crawl spaces). German roaches live and breed inside, once they're in, they don't leave on their own. Oriental roaches come in from outside through sewer lines and foundation gaps.

How fast do roaches spread?

German cockroaches are the fastest-breeding household pest. A single female and her offspring can produce 30,000 roaches in a year under the right conditions. An infestation that looks small, with just a few roaches near the sink, can be hundreds hiding in cabinet hinges and appliance motors within weeks.

How much does cockroach treatment cost?

Initial treatment for a typical Vallejo home or apartment runs $200–$400. Severe infestations requiring multiple visits or preparation are higher. We quote on-site after inspection.

Do I need to leave during treatment?

For gel bait treatment (our standard approach), no. You should avoid wiping down surfaces where bait is placed for 2–4 weeks. For heavier infestations requiring crack-and-crevice spray, we may ask you to stay out for 2–4 hours.

Will they come back from the neighbors?

In multi-unit buildings, yes, roaches travel through shared walls, plumbing chases, and ventilation. We treat the unit thoroughly and advise on exclusion at shared entry points. In severe building-wide infestations, the property owner needs to treat all units simultaneously.

What pests are covered under general pest control?

Ants, spiders, earwigs, silverfish, pill bugs, fleas, and other common household insects. Rodents and termites are handled under separate services because they require different treatment methods and licensing categories.

How often do I need service?

For most Vallejo homes, quarterly service keeps pest pressure manageable year-round. Homes near the waterfront or with heavy landscaping may benefit from bi-monthly service. We offer one-time treatments as well, with a free re-treatment guarantee if the same pest returns within 30 days.

What's the difference between one-time and recurring service?

One-time treatment addresses the current infestation but doesn't prevent the next one. Recurring service maintains a treated perimeter that pests have to cross to get inside, most activity gets knocked back before you ever see it. Quarterly service is typically $80–$120 per visit.

Do you spray inside every visit?

Interior spray is used only when there's active indoor activity. Routine quarterly service is mostly exterior, foundation band, eaves, window frames, and landscape borders. This keeps chemical exposure inside your home minimal.

Are treatments safe for pets?

Yes, when applied per label instructions. We'll walk you through specific precautions for your pet type (keeping dogs off treated grass while it dries, covering fish tanks during fogging, etc.) before we start.

What kind of rodents are getting into Vallejo homes?

Mostly Norway rats and roof rats. Norway rats burrow under slabs and foundations, common in East and Old Town Vallejo near the waterfront. Roof rats climb into attics through gaps in eaves and roof lines. Mice are also common, especially in older homes with gaps in the foundation sill.

How do I know if it's rats or mice?

Rat droppings are 3/4 inch or larger and blunt-ended. Mouse droppings are smaller (1/4 inch) and pointed. Scratching sounds at night in the attic or walls usually mean roof rats. Gnawed food packaging in cabinets is typically mice.

How much does rodent control cost in Vallejo?

A full rodent treatment with snap traps and exterior exclusion typically runs $350–$600 for most homes. Attic cleanout and re-insulation (when droppings contaminate the insulation) is additional. We quote on-site after the inspection.

Do you handle exclusion, meaning sealing the entry points?

Yes. Trapping without exclusion is a temporary fix. We locate and seal the gaps that let rodents in: foundation vents, gaps around pipes, chewed eave openings. Exclusion is included in our rodent service, not an add-on.

Is it safe to stay in the house during treatment?

Yes. We use snap traps and exterior bait stations, not broadcast rodenticide indoors. You don't need to leave during treatment.

What kind of termites are in Vallejo?

Primarily subterranean termites, the most destructive species in California. They live in the soil and build mud tubes up to wood members in the foundation, crawl space, and wall studs. Drywood termites are less common in Vallejo but found occasionally in older wood-frame structures, especially window frames and exposed fascia boards.

What does a termite inspection cost?

We offer free visual inspections for most residential properties. If you need a written Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) report for a real estate transaction, the report fee is typically $150–$250.

How much does termite treatment cost in Vallejo?

Spot treatment (localized subterranean activity at the foundation): $400–$800. Full perimeter liquid barrier treatment: $800–$1,500 for most homes. Drywood termite fumigation (tenting): $2,000–$5,000+ depending on home size. We recommend the least invasive effective treatment for each situation.

What are mud tubes and why do they matter?

Mud tubes are pencil-width tunnels made of soil and termite saliva. Subterranean termites build them from the soil up to wood; they're a direct sign of active infestation. Finding a mud tube on your foundation wall means termites are actively foraging for or already feeding on wood members.

Do you do real estate WDO reports for Vallejo home sales?

Yes. We're SPCB licensed (Branch 3) for termite inspections and issue Wood Destroying Organism reports accepted by California lenders and real estate agents.