How to Choose a Pest Control Company in 6 Easy Steps
Home ownership comes with many perks -- tax benefits, stabilized housing costs, control over your living environment… the list goes on. But any homeowner will tell you that the advantages are accompanied by lots of unknowns. And unknowns (is that an animal in the wall?!) usually mean frantic nights spent trying to solve an unexpected problem (*Googles “how to choose a pest control company” at 2 a.m.*).
From ladybugs taking over the basement to bats inhabiting a crawl space, pest issues are one of those unknowns that can leave even the savviest homeowner scratching their head.
Choosing a Pest Control Company Made Easy
Choosing a pest control company, whether in response to an immediate problem or to schedule ongoing maintenance, doesn’t have to be daunting. Keep these six factors in mind when you’re ready to begin your search for the perfect pest professional:
1. Qualifications
It is crucial to ensure that the pest control service you select holds the proper licenses, certifications and insurance. You can verify licensing by contacting your state pesticide regulatory office. You’ll also want to ensure they use integrated pest management techniques and have a certified entomologist on staff.
2. Experience
When choosing a pest control company, you want to be sure this isn’t their first rodeo. Find out how long they’ve been in business and if they have experience treating issues like yours. It can also provide peace of mind to know if new hires train with more experienced employees.
3. Reputation
How a company does business says a lot about them. Ask trusted friends, family or coworkers for a recommendation and be sure to read the company’s Google and Facebook reviews. You may also consider asking the company for customer references and/or contacting the Better Business Bureau for information on recent violations, complaints or unresolved issues.
4. Value
Many pest control companies provide a free estimate before beginning work. Be sure to get estimates from more than one company and request them in writing. Compare the estimates in terms of cost, any long-term agreements and whether or not they guarantee their work.
5. Customer Service
At the end of the day, customer service may easily be the factor that makes or breaks your decision to go with a pest control company. You want a service provider that is easy to reach, responsive and open to discussing the specifics of your pest problem. You should feel comfortable asking all of the questions listed here, and they should be happy to answer.
6. Safety
Pest management can come with several risks. Ensure the pest control company you choose takes preventative measures to avoid unnecessary exposures or accidents and wears protective equipment when necessary. They should also carry insurance to cover you, your property and their employees. And finally, they should be willing to discuss low-toxicity options and take environmental risks into consideration.
These six tips on how to choose a pest control company make it easy to resolve any pest problem. Trust is key, and if a pest management provider meets all of these criteria, you can rest easy knowing you’re problem is in good hands.
Not to brag, but we’re proud to offer pest control services that meet each of these requirements and then some.
Give us a call to discuss our qualifications and how we can help with your pest problem!
