If you’re hiring a company to come into your home to provide a service, it’s always important to look for a high caliber service that you trust to do the job properly. While the price may play a factor in your decision, it’s probably more important to find someone that you believe will work efficiently and behave in an ethical way.
Pest control companies should fall under the same criteria for any vendor you hire. They should be competent professionals that understand the proper application of the chemicals, traps, or other techniques they’ll be using in your home.
This article looks closely at the questions you should be asking of your pest control company to determine if they’re the right fit for the problem you’re having.
Do Your Homework
The Internet is a great tool for researching any vendor before you hire them. Look up the company website to determine the kinds of services they offer. Look at the site to determine:
- Do they have customer testimonials at appear legitimate?
- Can you tell how many years they’ve been insured?
- Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
- Do they have articles on their site that show their knowledge of the field?
- Do they offer any guarantee on their work?
- Will they give a free estimate?
Next, check out the company on Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau. Do they have any complaints? What are other consumers saying?
When you’ve narrowed your search down to two or three, call the company. Pay attention to their professionalism as they answer the phone. What is your “gut” telling you?
As you’re on the phone, ask these question:
- How many years have you been in business?
- Will the technicians be licensed and certified pest eradication professionals?
- What are the techniques they will use to eradicate the pests?
- If their visit involves chemicals, what are the precautions to protect your home, pets, and family?
- Can they provide references for the particular service you are using?
Never hire a door-to-door vendor. One common scam is for you to have an unexpected door knock during the day where a supposed pest control company shows you an insect that they eradicated from your neighbor’s home. The doorknocker will likely tell you they have chemicals left over and if you act now, you could get a treatment for a reduced rate.
Trust your instincts; if it feels shady, it probably isn’t because you’re standing under a palm tree.
Also, if another type of service provider, such as a tree trimmer, offers to add pest control services as a package deal – beware. It is highly unlikely they will be trained in how to safely administer the chemicals and treatments that a licensed professional will offer.
Preventive Pest believes that eradicating pests from your home should be done professionally and with the right tools and materials to keep you safe while also taking care of the problem. We’d like to offer you a complimentary consultation – call us to find out more.
