ATCO Pest Control eradicates, traps, removes and deters indoor and outdoor pests for residential and commercial clients in Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco and Contra Costa 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 preventative-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.

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 Novato. “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.”

Q: Do you use Green pesticides?

A: Yes. We’re big believers in integrated pest management (IPM). We use a wide variety of techniques and materials and apply them to particular situations, from vacuum and steam to organic pesticides. Basically, we use any environmentally-safe products or methods that will get rid of pests and keep them from coming back.

Q: Does orange oil really control termites?

A: In certain cases, yes. Orange oil is effective against dry-wood termites, but only if the problem isn’t severe. It doesn’t work on subterranean termites, which are common in the Bay Area. If orange oil is the right solution for your problem, we’ll recommend it. If not, we’ll recommend a different approach. Our inspectors aren’t paid on commission—they’re not trying to sell you anything when they inspect your house.

Q: Should I be worried about my pets after a treatment?

A: No. We use EcoExempt materials, which are food-grade products that are approved for use in kitchens or elsewhere where food is prepared. EcoExempt is perfectly safe for pets.

Q: Do you offer tree protection services?

A: Yes. We’re proud to be certified in the latest advancements for treating and preventing Sudden Oak Death. We’re also adept at spraying dormant fruit trees and treating a variety of arboreal pests, including California oak moths, oak worms and tent caterpillars.