ATCO Pest Control uses a variety of advanced control methods to eradicate, trap, remove, and deter pests for residential, commercial and municipal clients in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties. The family-owned and operated company takes a “common sense” approach to handling common pest invasions such as ants, rodents, spiders and fleas. ATCO’s termite department can provide WDO reports and perform treatments to eradicate termites and remediate moisture-related issues. Additionally, its bed bug department specializes in the most up-to-date bed bug control methods.
President Richard Estrada has more than 25 years of experience in the pest control industry. ATCO relies on the expertise and experience of its licensed and certified technicians, all of whom offer effective, long-term solutions for ridding homes and businesses of unwanted pests. “We adapt our procedures to meet the particular needs of each client and take their concerns into account before doing any work,” says Mr. Estrada.
ATCO Pest Control is proud to be an EcoWise Certified Provider, a program that distinguishes pest control companies that employ common sense techniques while minimizing the use of harmful pesticides. The company also provides landscape pest services—it’s trained to treat for Sudden Oak Death, and it uses an injection system to eliminate fungus-related problems and arboreal pests.
“We strive to provide long-term solutions for pest problems, not just quick fixes. We thoroughly assess each situation to develop the most sensible and efficient approach, and we discuss the recommended procedures and options upfront."
To keep your home pest-free, it’s important to take preventive measures. “Simply inspecting a house’s exterior on a regular basis will prevent a lot of infestation problems,” says Richard Estrada, president of ATCO Pest Control in Petaluma. “Walk around and identify any openings that rodents or insects could use to get inside, and make sure no trees or bushes touch the house or allow pests to access the roof."
Often, simple fixes will avert most pest problems, and prevention is easier and less expensive than eradicating an infestation once it has occurred. Consider the following preventive tips:
• Use fences and implement traps, lights and noisemakers as the first line of defense in keeping pests out of your home.
• Permanently seal small entrance holes with caulking or steel wool to prevent rodents and insects from entering your home.
• Ensure doors and windows are tightly sealed and screened. This will also help with your energy bill.
• Store all dry goods (including pet food) in tightly sealed containers. Store fruit in hanging baskets.
• Make sure decks, porches and crawlspaces have good ventilation to prevent mildew and termites.
• Make sure your home is cleaned regularly. Discard food scraps in well-sealed garbage cans or dispose of them using composting methods. Keep clutter to a minimum.
If you’re ecologically conscious, choose a pest control company that uses environmentally-friendly products and methods. “Hire a firm that understands how to control and eradicate pests from a Green standpoint,” says Mr. Estrada. “Look for a company that uses a minimal amount of chemical pesticides and implements non-chemical pest control methods, like vacuum and steam.”
ATCO Pest Control eradicates, traps, removes and deters indoor and outdoor pests for residential and commercial clients in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties. "We handle most insects, including ants, termites, cockroaches and pantry pests," says President Richard Estrada. "We also do spiders, rats, mice, gophers and moles. Basically, we treat anything that infests the inside of a home. We'll even remove fungus and pigeons."
Because the company isn't part of a larger corporation or franchise, it isn't locked into strict procedures and methodologies or intent on getting customers to sign long-term contracts. "We can adapt our procedures to meet the individual needs of each customer," says Mr. Estrada. "If a homeowner has a particular concern, we take that into account."
ATCO Pest Control is EcoWise Certified and trained in preventive-based pest control methods. "When we look at a pest problem, we don't just consider what chemicals should be applied, but also what can be done to permanently eradicate and prevent future infestations," says Mr. Estrada. The company also specializes in less invasive and non-chemical methods of pest control, including vacuum and steam. When chemical pesticides are required, it prefers to use organic materials and products.
ATCO Pest Control is proud of its 2009 California Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Innovator Award, which cited the company's work in using innovative strategies to control the long-standing cockroach problem in the historic, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center.
