How to Choose the Best Pest Control Company: 12 Key Questions to Ask
Dealing with a pest problem in your home can be stressful and frustrating. You don’t want bugs or rodents invading your space and making life unpleasant. But how do you know which pest control company will truly solve your critter conundrum quickly and effectively?
Choosing the right pest control service is crucial. You want to partner with an experienced company that has extensive experience, provides top-notch customer service, and uses the latest pest control treatment methods and products. You also need a provider that is licensed, insured, transparent about processes and pricing, and stands behind their work.
Don’t settle for less when it comes to pest control for your most valuable asset – your home. Do your research to find the best exterminator for your needs. Here are 12 key questions to ask any pest control company before hiring them:
1. Are you licensed and insured?
Reputable pest control companies are licensed by the state and carry general liability insurance plus workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you in case technicians are injured on your property. Never hire unlicensed companies – it’s illegal in most states.
2. What specific experience do you have treating my type of pest problem?
Look for companies with extensive experience handling your specific type of infestation, whether it’s termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, or other pests. They should be well-versed in effective methods for that particular pest.
3. Can you provide references from past clients with similar issues?
A reliable pest control company should be able to furnish several references from past clients who had similar pest infestation issues. Speaking with past customers provides reassurance that the company resolved critter issues successfully.
4. Do your technicians receive ongoing training and education?
Look for companies that require ongoing education, practice, and certification for their technicians. This ensures they stay up-to-date on the latest and most effective pest control methods and technologies.
5. Do you offer inspections and maintenance plans?
Many companies provide free initial visits and offer maintenance plans where they periodically return to monitor, inspect, and re-apply treatments as needed. This prevents recurring infestations.
6. What methods and products do you use?
Find out what exact products and methods the company uses. Environmentally friendly, low-toxicity methods are ideal when pets and children are present. Make sure they don’t use outdated or banned pesticides.
7. Do your treatments harm pets or children?
Be very clear about any pets in your home or children who visit regularly. Respectable companies only use family and pet-safe products and treatments. Technicians should advise you on any necessary precautions to protect your family and pets.
8. How soon can you start treatment?
If you have an active infestation, fast response is key. Quality companies will provide reasonably prompt treatment, often within 1-3 days of your initial call.
9. What is your upfront pricing and payment policy?
Beware of lowball estimates that balloon once work begins. Get firm estimate in writing upfront. Reputable companies do not require full payment until services are completed and you are fully satisfied. They take payments upon milestones or completion.
10. Do you offer any guarantees?
Professional pest control companies stand behind their work with satisfaction guarantees. Common warranty includes a 30-90 day re-treatment assurance if pests return and ruin repair bonds if any accidental damage resulting from the infestation.
11. Do your technicians wear uniforms and ID badges?
Properly uniformed technicians arrive in clearly marked company vehicles and carry ID badges. This adds legitimacy and ensures your neighbors understand pest control technicians are working at your home.
12. Are you a member of any industry associations?
Membership in respected associations like the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) demonstrates a company’s credibility, commitment to education, and use of industry best practices.
Trust an Award-Winning Local Pest Control Company
When evaluating providers, be sure to read online reviews and check with the Better Business Bureau to identify any complaints. Only work with highly-rated, ethical, local pest control companies that satisfy all the above criteria.
Eco Pest Control Perth has a 5-star reputation for expert pest control and exceptional client service. Contact us today for a customised advice to eliminate animal pests from your property fast.
Pro Tip: When evaluating pest control companies, carefully examine their track record, check licensing and reputation over time. An unscrupulous company may use banned chemicals, overcharge for services, or take money upfront and never complete the work. Follow these tips for pest control selection to partner with a top-notch, ethical provider you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Professional Pest Control Cost?
On average, pest control costs $50-$150 per treatment visit depending on the size of your home, type of pests, and treatment intensity needed. Get a free check up and estimate.
What Kinds of Pests Do Exterminators Treat?
Common household pests treated include ants, roaches, silverfish, spiders, rats, mice, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, moths, flies, and more. Make sure to ask about specific pests.
How Often Do I Need Pest Control?
For an active infestation, initial pest treatments are done every 2-3 weeks until the issue resolves. For prevention, quarterly maintenance treatments are typically recommended.
What is Integrated Pest Management?
IPM is a strategic approach that combines environmentally responsible prevention, exclusion, monitoring, targeted chemical treatment, and elimination of conditions favorable to nasty pests.
Conclusion
With the right pest company as your partner, you can keep unwanted pests out of your home for good. Don’t delay – get a free examination and quote today from our licensed pest professional team!
