Scotts Valley Pest Control

• ◆Glenwood Estates – The quiet residential neighborhood adjacent to the Glenwood Open Space Preserve encounters rodents from the preserve, ticks from the adjacent wildlands, carpenter ants, spiders, and the wildlife that migrates from the open space into the neighborhood.
• ◆Granite Creek Estates – The luxury hillside neighborhood with half-acre+ lots encounters rodents, spiders, ticks from the surrounding forest, carpenter ants in the shaded forest environment, and dampwood termites from the persistent canopy moisture.
• ◆Hidden Glen – The custom-built community with horse stables and mature trees encounters rodents from the surrounding forest, fleas and ticks from the equestrian facilities and wildlife, carpenter ants, and gophers in the landscaped grounds.
• ◆Pinewood Estates/Henry Cowell Area – Properties near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park encounter the highest wildlife pest pressure—wood rats, deer mice, ticks, spiders, carpenter ants, and dampwood termites from the constant forest shade and moisture directly adjacent to the state park.
• ◆Rolling Woods – Charming bungalows nestled in the redwoods near Graham Hill Road encounter rodents from the surrounding forest canopy, carpenter ants in moisture-softened wood, dampwood termites, spiders, and ticks.
• ◆Skypark/Central Scotts Valley – Properties near the Skypark community park and the commercial corridor encounter ants, cockroaches near restaurants, rodents, and gophers—with somewhat less forest pest pressure than the more wooded neighborhoods but still significant wildlife exposure.
• ◆Bean Creek Area – Properties along the Bean Creek corridor encounter rodents, mosquitoes from the creek, subterranean termites from creek moisture, and the wildlife that uses the creek as a corridor through the community.
• ◆Montevalle/South Scotts Valley – The 55+ community on 44 forested acres with lakes encounters mosquitoes from the community lakes, rodents, carpenter ants, ticks from the oak and redwood terrain, and the wildlife—including deer—that frequents the mature landscape.

Don't see your neighborhood? We likely serve your area too!

• ◆Over 40 Years of Experience: EcoGuard Pest Management has been providing pest control for over 40 years, developing effective integrated pest management strategies for the most problematic pests in Central California and the greater region.
• ◆Eco-Conscious Methods: Scotts Valley values its redwood forests, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the Glenwood Preserve, the creek corridors, and the mountain environment that defines this community, and so do we. Our integrated pest management approach prioritizes targeted treatments that minimize environmental impact—critical for a community where state parks, open space preserves, and sensitive creek habitats surround residential neighborhoods.
• ◆Licensed, Bonded & Insured: Every EcoGuard technician is state-licensed, background-checked, and continuously trained on the latest pest control methods and safety protocols. We are fully bonded and insured for your protection.
• ◆Redwood Forest Expertise: Scotts Valley is defined by its redwood forest setting—and that forest environment creates pest challenges distinct from coastal or urban areas. We understand dampwood termites in the constant forest moisture, carpenter ants in shaded wood, wood rats and deer mice from the surrounding wildlands, ticks from the forest trails, and the ongoing wildlife pressure that comes with living among thousands of acres of protected forest.
• ◆Rapid Response Times: When you have a pest emergency, waiting isn't an option. Our Scotts Valley team offers same-day and next-day service for urgent situations, getting you relief when you need it.
• ◆Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our work. Our guarantee means that if the bugs come back, then so do we, at no additional cost until the problem is resolved.

• ◆Droppings – Small pellets or spots from rodents or insects in cabinets, corners, garages, or outbuildings—on forest-edge properties, check all structures regularly.
• ◆Gnaw marks – Chewed wires, food packaging, or structural elements—rodent activity is especially common in properties adjacent to Henry Cowell State Park, Glenwood Preserve, and the surrounding forest.
• ◆Gopher mounds – Fresh mounds of soil on lawns and gardens—gophers are particularly active in Scotts Valley's sunnier neighborhoods and irrigated landscaping areas.
• ◆Unusual odors – Musty smells from pest infestations or ammonia-like odors from rodent urine in crawl spaces, attics, and outbuildings.
• ◆Termite indicators – Discarded wings near windowsills, frass beneath wood surfaces, or soft, moisture-damaged wood—Scotts Valley's redwood forest shade and moisture create ideal dampwood termite conditions. Properties under the forest canopy are especially vulnerable.
• ◆Live or dead pests – Seeing insects or rodents during daylight hours often indicates a larger population hiding nearby.
• ◆Tick activity after outdoor time – Ticks found on pets or clothing after hiking in Henry Cowell, Glenwood Preserve, or other local trails—Santa Cruz County has documented Lyme disease-carrying ticks in forested areas.
• ◆Wood rat middens – Distinctive nests built from sticks, leaves, and debris in garages, sheds, woodpiles, or beneath decks—wood rats are very common in Scotts Valley's forested properties and can damage wiring, irrigation, and stored items.
• ◆Carpenter ant frass – Sawdust-like debris near wood surfaces—carpenter ants are a major concern in Scotts Valley, excavating nesting galleries in the moisture-softened wood common in the redwood forest environment.

Early Detection Matters: If you notice any of these signs in your Scotts Valley property, contact EcoGuard immediately. Early intervention prevents small problems from becoming major infestations and saves you time, money, and stress.

• ◆Manage the Forest-Home Interface: Most Scotts Valley properties border or sit within redwood forest. Keep brush and debris cleared at least 30 feet from structures, seal all entry points, store firewood well away from the house, and maintain defensible space. Henry Cowell State Park, Glenwood Preserve, and the surrounding mountains provide a continuous wildlife reservoir—ongoing prevention is essential because the forest will always replenish pest populations.
• ◆Address Redwood Canopy Moisture: The redwood forest canopy keeps many Scotts Valley properties in persistent shade, and the moisture from fog drip, seasonal rains, and poor drainage creates ideal conditions for dampwood termites and carpenter ants. Ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces, fix leaks immediately, manage drainage away from foundations, and address wood-to-soil contact. Properties under heavy canopy need particular attention to moisture management.
• ◆Protect Against Ticks: Santa Cruz County has documented Lyme disease-carrying ticks in the forested areas, and Scotts Valley's mountain setting puts every property near tick habitat. After outdoor activities, check yourself, children, and pets for ticks. Keep landscaping trimmed near your home, create gravel barriers between lawn and forest, and treat pets with year-round tick prevention.
• ◆Manage Redwood Canopy for Rodent Access: Scotts Valley's towering redwoods and mature trees provide roof rats with elevated highways to rooflines. Keep branches trimmed at least four feet from structures, thin dense vegetation near foundations, and inspect rooflines for entry points. The forest canopy connects properties—rodents can travel long distances above ground without touching the forest floor.
• ◆Secure Outbuildings and Garages: Wood rats commonly build middens in garages, sheds, and outbuildings on forested properties. Seal gaps, keep doors closed, and remove clutter that provides nesting material. Regular inspection of outbuildings catches wood rat activity before populations establish.
• ◆Schedule Regular Inspections: Scotts Valley's redwood forest setting, state park borders, creek corridors, and mountain terrain create year-round pest pressure from the surrounding environment. Professional inspections catch problems early—quarterly service is recommended, with annual termite inspections essential for all properties, especially those under heavy forest canopy.