How to Choose the Best Pest Control Company
Tips To Find The Right Pest Company
Selecting the right pest control company is an important decision. After all, you are letting strangers into your home to apply chemicals and deal with unwanted pests. Hiring the wrong company can lead to poor results, unexpected costs, and even property damage. That’s why it pays to do your research to find the most qualified, experienced, and reputable pest control experts in your area. Here is an outline of the key factors to consider when choosing a pest control service.
1. Identifying The Pest Problem
The first step is to clearly identify the type of pest you need to eliminate. Document signs of pest infestation like droppings, nests, bites, noises, odors, and visual sightings. Inspect inside and outside your home. The more precise details you can provide about the size and scope of your infestation, the better the pest control company will understand what services are required. Common household pests include termites, ants, cockroaches, spiders, and rodents.
2. Researching Pest Control Companies
Once you know what kind of pests you are dealing with, start researching local companies that specifically provide services to treat those common pests. For example, a reliable pest control company that specializes in termite treatments may not be the best option if you mainly have a spider problem. Search for companies using Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for key details like years in business, previous customer reviews and ratings, licenses and certifications, insurance coverage, service areas, treatment options, assurances and prices. Make a list of 3-5 top contenders.
3. Licences & Certifications
Reputable pest control companies should hold current licences issued by your state to apply pesticides. They should also have technicians on staff that hold certifications in key areas like fumigation, indoor pest elimination, and termite control. Certified companies have proven their technicians are properly trained to safely, effectively, and legally perform services in residential settings. Check documentation.
4. Insurance Coverage
Protect yourself financially by only considering companies that carry general liability insurance, workers compensation, pesticide coverage, and damage repair insurance. That covers any property damage or accidents that occur. Make sure current documentation showing policy details is provided before starting.
5. Pest Control Expertise & Experience
Compare the types of pests each experienced company specializes in treating. The broader their expertise and knowledge base the better. For example, can they identify various wood destroying pests and the issues they cause? Or assess mold risks? Ensure the company has proven experience successfully eliminating pests similar to yours. Check client testimonials and before-and-after project pictures if available.
6. Customer Service
Pay attention to the level of service as you research companies. Response times should be prompt to both inquiries and service calls. Representatives should be friendly, patient, respectful, and willing to answer all questions without pressuring you. A reliable pest control provider will take time to thoroughly inspect your property, explain treatment plans, listen to your preferences, discuss budgets, and resolve any concerns you have.
7. Pest Control Methods & Plans
Investigate the treatment methods and solutions each professional pest control company offers to combat infestations. The proposal should outline a comprehensive plan of action customized for your situation. Make sure you understand what products they’ll use, preparation needed, when treatments occur, post-service instructions, and cleanup requirements. Eco-friendly options like heat treatments for termites are growing in popularity. Understand your options – in case you want alternatives to spraying strong or harsh chemicals.
8. Pricing & Service Contracts
Get a detailed breakdown of all services and costs in writing. Standard one-time treatments, monthly or quarterly prevention plans, as well as multi-year termite contracts should be explained in detail including what is covered and rates per service. Beware of lowball estimates that skyrocket with lots of add-on fees and charges. Make sure the contract specifics precisely match the verbally provided estimate – before signing and starting work.
9. Guarantees & Warranties
Reputable companies will stand behind their work with a satisfaction guarantee ensuring pests will be eliminated. They will also have a repair warranty protecting your property if structural damage occurs later due to termites after their service. Carefully read what voids the guarantee coverage before starting. Also check what out-of pocket expenses would be incurred if additional treatments, repairs etc are needed later.
Conclusion
Follow these guidelines outlined above to help you hire the best pest control service possible. Investing the time to research and evaluate service providers based on licences, training, experience, quality services, and professionalism helps minimize project risks. Protect your home and family by partnering with a reliable company that offers robust strategies performed safely by certified experts. If you have any doubts or feel pressured, keep looking until you find the pest control company that meets your standards and needs.
Article written by Adam Locker from Pro Pest Control in Canberra.
