How to Choose the Best Pest Control Company

Hiring the Best Exterminator for Your Pest Infestation

How to Choose the Best Pest Control Company

Selecting a pest control company is an important decision. After all, you are letting strangers come into your home and use chemicals. You want to make sure you choose someone qualified, experienced, and trustworthy. Here are the most important things to look for when picking the best pest control company for your peace of mind.

1. They Should Be Licensed and Certified

Any good pest control technician will have a license from your state to apply pesticides. This helps ensure they were properly trained and know how to safely use chemicals. Certifications from industry organizations like the National Pest Management Association also demonstrate they stay current on the latest methods.

Don’t be afraid to ask to see their identification and credentials. Reputable companies will be happy to provide them.

2. Make Sure They Offer a Warranty

The best pest companies will guarantee their work. That way if the unwanted guests come back, they’ll return to treat again for free. Warranties usually last between 30 days and one year. The longer the coverage the better.

3. Verify They Carry Insurance

In today’s litigious society, you want assurance the company has proper risk management. At minimum, they should have general liability insurance to cover any accidental property damage. But it’s also wise for them to carry workman’s comp for their employees and chemical protection coverage too.

Request copies of their certificates. Avoid any company that can’t furnish them.

4. Experience Matters

Ideally, you want a pest control provider that has at least five years under their belt. Those with longevity have demonstrated proficiency. They’ve also seen a wide variety of infestations and know how to solve tricky situations.

Ask how long they’ve been servicing homes in your local area. The more familiar they are with regional pests and climate conditions the better.

5. Get Quotes From Multiple Companies

Smart consumers obtain price estimates from three to five pest control firms. This allows you to accurately compare rates and service offerings. Take note though that the cheapest isn’t necessarily best when it comes to professional extermination services. There’s something to be said for extensive experience and expertise.

6. Know What Services They Offer

Not all companies are created equal. Some specialise in only one or two types of treatments, while full-service providers offer a diverse lineup including:

  • General household pests (ants, cockroaches, spiders, etc.)
  • Wood-boring insects (termites, carpenter ants, and beetles)
  • Wildlife removal (raccoons, squirrels, rats, mice)
  • Fumigation
  • Mosquito treatments
  • Weed control
  • Rodent extermination
  • Bed bugs

Choose a company that provides the particular services you require now. But also consider one that offers expanded options you may need down the road.

7. Ask About the Pesticides and Methods They Use

There are hundreds of different commercial pesticides available. Innovative treatment methods are constantly emerging.

Find out which products and application techniques the company employs. Quality warranty means they should explain the advantages and benefits of their choice compared to alternatives.

Ideally, they’ll use EPA-approved, low-toxicity pesticides combined with baits, traps, and targeted spraying. That generally provides the best short-term control with the least environmental impact.

8. Safety First

A reputable firm will always look out for its customers by practicing safe, eco-friendly pest control. Here are some key points to investigate:

  • Are their technicians licensed?
  • Do they wear uniforms with ID badges so you know who is in your house?
  • Will they provide advance notice before coming by to treat?
  • Do they park marked vehicles in driveways rather than the street?
  • Do they use child and pet-safe products?
  • Will they treat only areas that need it rather than your whole property?
  • Do they offer eco-friendly treatment options?

A company that observes best practices for safety and minimal environmental impact deserves your business.

9. Ask for Referrals

Don’t choose a pest control service provider on cost alone. The cheapest quote often results in the poorest service. Instead, ask friends, family, and neighbors who they use and would recommend.

Satisfied clients are a company’s best form of advertising. Pay attention to word-of-mouth opinions in your community.

10. Check Reviews

Today it’s easy to research company reputations online. Spend some time reading through online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. This feedback from previous customers often proves enlightening.

Look for reliable pest control services with consistently high ratings and positive commentary. Check if they are using an integrated pest management approach. Be wary of those with no reviews or frequent complaints about poor service.

Hiring the Best Exterminator for Your Pest Infestation

Conclusion

Finding a reputable pest control company means asking for licenses, experience, services, safety procedures, and people’s satisfaction. But take the time up front to evaluate multiple experienced providers. It will pay off signing a service contract with reliable pest control professionals who safely and effectively eliminate your pesky pest issues.