How to choose a pest control company you can rely on, and questions to ask
When you have a problem with pests, what starts off as a manageable situation can very quickly become uncontrollable. In that case, the best thing to do is call a professional pest control company. But how can you be sure they’ll do a good job? When doing your research, here are some factors to consider.
1. Exercise due diligence. Finding a pest control company you can trust involves a little legwork on your behalf. Talk to friends who have recently brought in a team of exterminators and ask them for recommendations. You can also look to the testimonials on company websites to get feedback from former customers.
Questions about experience can be answered by the company itself, such as whether newly hired technicians train with more experienced employees, or how much experience the business has with dealing with your particular pest control problem. You need to have faith in the company that will be cleansing your home, so it’s important to monitor the staffs’ responsiveness and efficiency from the get-go. How was the initial call? You are looking for a team that is professional, polite and well-organised.
2. Check the fine print. Since different pesticides have varying degrees of toxicity, and some can be extremely dangerous in untrained hands, it’s important to make sure the firm you employ is fully licensed. Another good tip: ask whether the company’s employees are bonded, which means that the company will reimburse you for any loss or damage caused by an employee.
3. Get written estimates. Most pest control business will provide a free estimate in writing for the treatment plan they propose, and a detailed list of costs. Every estimate should include the following information: extent of the problem, pesticide chosen, method of dispersal and an explanation of its active ingredient, including potential adverse effects.
It’s advisable to get more than one estimate from a couple of different companies, so you can compare services and costs. Be sure to carefully read through each estimate. Some firms will quote you for additional services you don’t need, like adding in termite extermination when you’re looking at an ant infestation.
4. Put safety first. You should always attempt to minimise your family and pets’ exposure to harmful chemicals. Pests are a nuisance, but the method of prevention can have unforeseen consequences if the chosen pesticides are used excessively or incorrectly. With that in mind, good questions to ask include: Are the chemicals selected the least toxic options available? Are they eco-friendly? Are there any special preparations you need to make before the treatment? Are there preventive measures you can follow to limit future recurrence of the problem?
5. Opt for repeat treatments. All pest control companies offer the option of a one-time service visit but it’s important to understand that extermination works best with frequent control – the more time passes between treatments, the harder it becomes to get the job done. Repeat treatments are necessary when the pest problem is a constant one, and preventive methods haven’t solved the issue. Bed bugs, cockroaches, spiders, ticks, rodents, fleas, termites and ants find your home an attractive source of food and shelter: these recurring pests are very hard to eradicate and usually require repeat treatments.
Know that first visits are usually more expensive, and subsequent maintenance visits – monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly – are cheaper.