8 Things to Consider When Hiring a Pest Control Company
Sometimes you just can’t handle the problem yourself. The bed bugs are too much, the mosquitoes are multiplying at an alarming rate, and if you see one more mouse dropping…
Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle a pest infestation alone. Hiring a pest control company will allow someone else to take care of the problem while you gain valuable peace of mind, knowing you aren’t sharing your home with several families of spiders.
Even if you love home maintenance challenges, you won’t always have the tools or training to solve every problem yourself — especially with something as overwhelming as an insect or rodent infestation.
Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle the creepy-crawlies alone. When you hire a pest control company, you can relax while someone else takes care of the problem. Knowing you aren’t sharing your home with spiders, mice or other pests will give you invaluable peace of mind.
What to Look for When Hiring an Exterminator
But what should you look for in pest control companies, and how can you know when you’ve found your match? Not every exterminator holds the same qualifications to treat your home for pests. To find a good pest control company, look for an exterminator who:
- Has excellent reviews
- Communicates clearly and often
- Follows through on promises
- Listens and explains their process
- Is upfront about pricing and contracts
You can determine whether an exterminator has these qualities with about a half-hour of research. If your family or friends have glowing reviews of a specific company, that’s an excellent starting point.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Pest Control Company
Hiring an exterminator requires a combination of careful research and fast action so you can get pests out of your home quickly. We’ve compiled this list of eight questions for pest control companies to help you confidently narrow down your options.
If you’re wondering what to look for in a pest control company and how to gauge their trustworthiness, keep reading.
1. Are They Professional?
It seems like a no-brainer, but you may not stop and check company credentials when stressed about a pest infestation. However, trustworthiness and certifications are crucial if you want those ants out of your pantry for good. Here are several questions you should consider:
- Is the company bonded and insured?
- Does their website look professional?
- Can you get a feel for their values, and do they seem to align with yours?
Pest control companies don’t always have to have an insurance policy, but you would be wise to only look for insured and licensed service businesses. A company’s insurance coverage protects you if an accident happens on your property.
2. Are They Experts?
Knowledge demonstrates competence. The more your exterminator knows about the pests they’re dealing with, the more effective their treatment methods will be. Here are some questions you can consider to determine a pest control company’s knowledge:
- Does your technician understand common pest problems in your area?
- If you describe what the pest looks like, can the professional give you a confident answer of what you’re likely dealing with?
- Has the company successfully eradicated this specific pest from other homes in your area?
3. Do Other People Recommend Them?
Talk to your neighbors and friends about the pest control companies they’ve hired. When you’ve settled on a company you’d like to work with, search for them on the Better Business Bureau website and other popular review sites such as Google Business, Angi and Yelp. You can even ask the company for references.
Though this step may seem simple, it’s probably the most critical. Getting information from actual customers is the most reliable way to learn about a pest control company’s reputation. Previous customers quickly tell the world if they are unhappy about a service.
4. Does the Technician Thoroughly Investigate?
Your technician should listen to all your descriptions of the pest — what it looks like if you’ve seen it, where you have found droppings and what sounds you’ve heard. Then, they should carefully inspect your home to find evidence of the pests.
After they’ve completed their inspection, they’ll have the information they need to create an effective treatment plan. When asked, they should justify their choices with easily understandable and convincing reasons.
5. Does the Contract Check Out?
You might need recurring services to eradicate an infestation. Your technician may recommend monthly, biweekly or weekly visits until the pest problem is under control, eventually tapering off to more spaced-out intervals.
If you need to become a long-term customer, ask questions about the contract to ensure you understand what you’re agreeing to before signing. Does the cost include follow-up appointments? What protections are in place for you if you still have a pest problem after the initial agreed-upon period?
6. How Do You Feel About Their Chemicals?
You should also ask questions about the chemicals a pest control company plans to use. Here are a few things to verify about treatments before you decide to work with a professional pest removal service:
- What effects do their chemicals have on pets and humans?
- Will you need to leave your home?
- Do they offer non-chemical options?
Trained pest control technicians are familiar with every chemical they use and should feel comfortable discussing any concerns you have. If you’d like more information, you can ask for a Material Safety Data Sheet and specimen label for each chemical your specialist uses.
7. Do They Offer a Guarantee?
Sometimes, it takes several treatments to solve a pest infestation problem. Since companies can’t guarantee instant results, they build trust by offering service guarantees instead.
At a minimum, your pest control company should offer a service satisfaction guarantee to inspire confidence in their methods and work quality.
8. Does the Company Belong to a Professional Pest Control Association?
Professional pest control associations hold their members to specific standards and ethics. If a company is a member of one of these associations, it signifies their dedication to high-quality service.
These organizations also keep their members informed of new processes and safety measures. A company that stays on top of industry knowledge and keeps learning cares about its customers and the service it offers.
Continue to Evaluate
Pest control is not “set it and forget it.” Keep looking for signs of bugs, mice and other unwanted houseguests even if you receive routine maintenance. A reliable pest control company will keep working with you throughout the process.
Nobody likes to need a pest control company, but when you find the right one, you’ll worry a lot less, knowing you have the upper hand. That’s why it’s critical to vet companies carefully before you commit to working with one.
Hire the Best Pest Control Company in Texas
At Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control, we value customer questions and enjoy helping our clients live happy, pest-free lives. We started our company over 25 years ago to eradicate mosquitoes from our yards without using too many pesticides.
Since then, we’ve expanded to treat pests from rats to spiders, ticks and more. We cover the Austin, Houston and San Antonio areas. Call us at 512-400-2008 or request an estimate online and learn more about our services. We look forward to hearing from you!