Frequently Asked Questions

West Pest Co. is owned and operated by Matthew West, a hands-on local pest control technician based in Santa Cruz County. Unlike franchise-driven national chains, Matthew often answers the phone himself, explains exactly what he's treating and why, and shows up on time — frequently the same day. West Pest Co. has been voted Best Pest Control in Santa Cruz by Readers Choice two years in a row (2023 and 2024), a recognition that reflects consistent results and genuine care for the community. Customers regularly note that Matthew solved problems that other companies couldn't.

West Pest Co. handles a wide range of common household and commercial pests throughout Santa Cruz County. Core services include rodent control (rats and mice), ant extermination, spider control, wasp and yellow jacket removal, cockroach control, flea and tick treatments, aphid and garden pest treatments, and general interior pest treatments. West Pest Co. provides both residential and commercial pest control. Note that mosquito control, bed bug treatments, and termite services are not offered — if you need those, you'll want to contact a specialist in those categories.

Safety for children, pets, and the surrounding environment is a core part of how West Pest Co. approaches every job. Matthew uses targeted, eco-friendly treatment methods that are selected based on the specific pest, the home environment, and any sensitivities in the household. One customer specifically noted that Matthew adjusted his recommendations because of a family member's lung sensitivity, using a treatment safe enough for hospitals and veterinary clinics. If you have young children, pets, or health concerns, let Matthew know when you call — he'll discuss options and make sure you understand exactly what's being applied and why.

Yes — ant infestations that resist DIY treatments are one of the most common situations West Pest Co. handles. Santa Cruz's year-round soil moisture means ant pressure doesn't have a true off-season, and Argentine ants in particular are persistent, adaptable, and hard to control with over-the-counter products. Matthew traces ant trails to identify entry points and activity patterns before treating, rather than just spraying a perimeter and leaving. Multiple customers have reported their kitchen ant infestations were resolved within 24 hours of Matthew's visit — in some cases after years of recurring problems.

Rodent control at West Pest Co. focuses on identifying how and where rodents are getting in, then applying targeted trapping and treatment to address the infestation. Matthew conducts thorough inspections — including crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls — to locate entry points and rodent activity. He advises customers on baiting methods and effective trap placement. West Pest Co. does not use poison-based rodenticides, which is an important differentiator for Santa Cruz households concerned about secondary poisoning of owls, hawks, coyotes, cats, and dogs that are common throughout the county. Multiple customers have reported their rat problems were resolved on the first visit.

Yes — this is a concern Matthew hears often in Santa Cruz, and it's one he takes seriously. West Pest Co. does not rely on anticoagulant rodenticides, which pose a well-documented secondary poisoning risk to raptors, coyotes, and other wildlife that prey on rodents. Instead, Matthew uses physical trapping and targeted approaches that address the infestation without creating a toxic chain reaction in the local ecosystem. This is a meaningful differentiator for eco-conscious Santa Cruz County homeowners who want the rodent problem solved without harming the wildlife outside their door.

West Pest Co. is known for fast response times, and same-day or next-day service is often available. Many customers mention urgency when they contact West Pest Co. — whether it's a rat heard in the walls, a sudden ant infestation in the kitchen, or a wasp nest near the front door. Matthew answers his own phone and works to get to customers as quickly as possible. Call (831) 430-8402 to discuss your situation and available scheduling, or submit a request at westpestco.com.

Yes — West Pest Co. provides pest control for commercial clients including small businesses, restaurants, property managers, and institutional facilities throughout Santa Cruz County. Commercial customers have included a spa, a preschool, a warehouse, and other property types where non-toxic or low-impact treatment methods were specifically requested due to the environment. If you manage a commercial property with a pest concern, call (831) 430-8402 to discuss the situation and what a commercial service visit would involve.

West Pest Co. serves all of Santa Cruz County, with a strong presence across the city of Santa Cruz and surrounding communities including Aptos, Capitola, Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Ben Lomond, Soquel, Rio del Mar, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom, and Aptos Hills. If you're in a more rural or mountain area of the county and aren't sure whether Matthew serves your location, give him a call at (831) 430-8402 and he'll let you know directly.

Recurring ant problems often come down to treatment approach. Many pest control companies spray a perimeter on a regular schedule without identifying the specific entry points, colony locations, or factors driving the infestation. Santa Cruz's mild, moist climate means ants can remain active nearly year-round — and Argentine ants in particular have large, diffuse colonies that bounce back quickly if the treatment doesn't address the source. West Pest Co. focuses on understanding the specific situation rather than applying a generic recurring schedule. Several customers have switched to West Pest Co. after years of recurring ant problems with other providers — and haven't had the issue return.

Yes — carpenter bee eradication is a service West Pest Co. handles. Carpenter bees bore into wood structures to lay their eggs, and left untreated, repeated generations can cause meaningful damage to decks, eaves, and other wood elements around a home. Customers in the Santa Cruz area have worked with Matthew to address both active carpenter bee infestations and the damage they leave behind. Call (831) 430-8402 to describe your situation and schedule a visit.

Yes — flea infestations inside the home are something West Pest Co. treats. Fleas are particularly frustrating because they reproduce quickly and can be difficult to eliminate without treating both the living space and the yard. Customers who have tried every over-the-counter product available — sprays, foggers, collars — and still can't clear a flea problem have reached out to West Pest Co. and had the issue resolved. If you're dealing with a persistent flea infestation, call (831) 430-8402 to discuss the situation and what a treatment would involve.

Yes — wasp and yellow jacket removal is one of West Pest Co.'s core services. Wasp nests near entry points, under eaves, or in garden structures can be a real hazard, particularly for households with children, pets, or anyone with a sensitivity to stings. Matthew handles these situations efficiently and safely. Call (831) 430-8402 to schedule — wasp problems are best addressed sooner rather than later, since colonies grow throughout the warm season.

Significantly — and it's something Santa Cruz homeowners need to understand differently than inland California residents. The county's mild, foggy, year-round moisture means pests here don't follow a simple warm/cold seasonal pattern. Ants are a near-year-round concern because the soil rarely dries out enough to disrupt colony activity. Cockroaches and spiders remain active through cool winters. Rodents push indoors earlier in fall as conditions change outside. This means pest control in Santa Cruz is often a more ongoing concern than residents expect — and why staying ahead of problems before they escalate makes a real difference.

Yes — rental property pest control is a situation West Pest Co. handles regularly. Landlords and property managers with tenants experiencing ant infestations, rodent activity, or other pest problems can work directly with Matthew to schedule service, coordinate access, and address the issue effectively. If you manage a property in Santa Cruz County and need help, call (831) 430-8402 or submit a request at westpestco.com.

Yes — eco-friendly, targeted treatments are a core part of West Pest Co.'s approach. Matthew uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, which emphasize understanding pest behavior and biology, identifying the root cause of an infestation, and selecting the most effective treatment with the lowest environmental impact. This resonates strongly with Santa Cruz homeowners who are conscious of their local ecosystem and want solutions that protect the environment alongside their home. Multiple customers specifically requested IPM or non-toxic options when they contacted West Pest Co. — and that's exactly what they received.

This is a situation Matthew encounters regularly — customers who have worked through one or two other providers without getting a real resolution. The difference at West Pest Co. comes down to the diagnostic approach. Rather than applying a standard treatment and scheduling a return visit, Matthew takes time to understand the specific infestation: where pests are entering, what's attracting them, and what the household's constraints are (pets, sensitivities, access). Multiple customers have noted that their pest problem was resolved on Matthew's first visit after months of ineffective treatment elsewhere. That kind of result doesn't come from a standard protocol — it comes from experience and genuine attention to the specific situation.

Yes — West Pest Co. can conduct inspections to assess a pest situation before committing to a full treatment plan. This is particularly common for rodent issues where the scope of the problem isn't fully clear until Matthew has had a chance to inspect the attic, crawlspace, and exterior of the property. If you'd like an inspection first to understand what you're dealing with, call (831) 430-8402 and describe the situation — Matthew can advise on what the inspection would involve and what to expect.

West Pest Co. has helped customers with skunks in particular — including live trapping and humane removal. If you're dealing with a skunk living under a deck or in a crawlspace, that's worth a call to (831) 430-8402 to discuss the situation. For raccoon issues, Matthew can assess the situation during a visit and advise on the appropriate course of action.

The most direct way to reach West Pest Co. is by phone at (831) 430-8402 — Matthew often answers himself, so you'll likely speak with the person who will be handling your service. You can also submit a request through the contact form at westpestco.com. West Pest Co. serves all of Santa Cruz County and responds quickly. If you're dealing with an active pest problem, calling sooner rather than later gives Matthew the best opportunity to address the situation before it grows.