Choosing the Right Pest Control Company

​Sometimes, pest issues are easily resolvable. Other times, you might wonder, “What the heck do I do about these ants?”, or something similar. Tough questions leading to prolonged pest problems might require the help of a professional pest management company to resolve. With so many choices out there, how do you choose the right company for the job? Read on to find out some important things to consider and questions to ask when you can’t manage pests alone and you need to hire a pro.

Tips and Tricks

First of all, when you’re in the market for a pest control company, talk to several. It can be a good idea to get multiple (3-5) perspectives and multiple bids before making a decision. As you begin evaluating your options, keep the following tips in mind:

1.     EXPERIENCE

• How long has the company been in business?
• Does the company have expertise in managing the pest(s) you are dealing with?
• How do new applicators get their training?
• How long is the company’s track record, and is it positive?

  2.     QUALIFICATIONS  

• Do technicians have current, up to date licenses? They should be able to show their licenses to you.
• Do technicians have the correct license classification for the job(s)?
  • To check, contact your state regulatory office.
• Are technicians and staff up to date on current best practices for pest management?
  • Ask where and how continuing education credits are obtained.
• Does the pest control company have a board certified entomologist on staff?
• Do technicians or staff consult with experts at a local land-grant University or Cooperative Extension Service?

3.     PROFESSIONALISM  

• Is the pest management professional wearing a company uniform?
• Does the technician show up on time?
• Does the pest management professional make you feel heard and understood?
• Does the technician engage in “gimmicky” sales techniques, like confusing service bundles? If so, avoid.
• Can they provide a list of references?
• Do they discuss the treatment with you in a way you can understand, with a clear cost of services communicated to you?
• Can they provide you with a business address and telephone number?
• Check their vehicle—are pesticides organized and clearly labeled? Is the vehicle properly maintained and in good working order?
• Is the company a member of a local or national pest management organization? This usually communicates a strong commitment to effective pest management and continuing education.

A reputable pest control company will provide a thorough inspection and provide evidence of pest activity and damage before recommending treatment. (Image Credit: Wonderlane, Image Source: Flickr)

4.     SERVICE PROTECTION

• Does the company have insurance? It is typically not required, but you should consider this when hiring. The technician should be able to show proof of insurance, on paper.
• Does the company guarantee their treatment? If not, you should be skeptical.
• Does the company have a good track record with the Better Business Bureau? Do they have a great track record for resolving callbacks and disputes, where applicable?
• If the company offers a contract, was it based on inspection? Do they clearly communicate what would void your contract?

5.     PRICING

• Does the company provide fair and transparent pricing?
• Pricing should be in writing.
• Are the terms of the contract (if one is established) easy to understand?
• Does the company engage in high-pressure sales? Do not feel pressured to say “yes”. A reputable company will not make you feel intimidated.

6.     TREATMENT PLAN  

• Does the company explain to you what your problem is, and provide you with tangible evidence?
• If you ask to see specimens or pest damage, can the technician or salesperson show these things to you? Do not engage in a treatment plan without evidence of pest activity.
• Does the pest management professional seem knowledgeable and confident about the pest management plan and is integrated pest management described?
• Do they communicate to you where and how pesticides will be applied and any safety precautions that should be taken?
• Does the company want feedback on the treatment from you? A good company will want to know how they are performing.

Do you understand the treatment plan? Did the technician discuss integrated pest management with you? A thorough company will assess your entire home for issues and likely go over a multi-pronged approach to solve your pest problems. Ideally, technicians will not rely solely on insecticides to solve complex pest issues. (Image Credit: Insight Pest, Image Source: Flickr)

Conclusions

Each state will differ in terms of the rules and regulations are concerned for pest management licensing. If you have concerns, you can check with regulatory agencies in your state to be certain that the company you choose is properly licensed and in good standing with no pesticide application violations. A good company will make you feel at ease about a treatment plan, will make you feel heard and understood, and will have the expertise and experience needed to solve your pest problem. If you would like more information, here are a few articles that can help. Remember- these may have some state-specific components. Reach out to an extension specialist in your own state if you have additional questions and/or concerns!
 

1. https://pesticidestewardship.org/homeowner/choosing-a-pest-control-company/
2. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/tips-on-selecting-pest-control-services
3. https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/tips-selecting-pest-control-service
4. https://pestsinthehome.extension.org/pest-prevention/selecting-a-pest-control-company/
5. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/choosing-a-professional-pest-control-company/
6. http://npic.orst.edu/pest/selectpco.html#:~:text=Ask%20family%20members%2C%20friends%2C%20coworkers,%2C%20complaints%2C%20or%20unresolved%20issues.

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