How to Hire a Pest Control Company

You’ve discovered signs of an invasive pest in your home. You’ve done your research on the pest and have tested traditional home remedies, set traps, and sprayed pesticides. Despite your best efforts, the infestation is getting worse. It’s time to let a team of professionals take care of the problem.

Depending on where you live, there may be dozens of pest control companies to choose from, including national franchises and local businesses. How do you decide which company will best fit your needs?

 

Look for Recommendations

When looking for a service provider, the quality of service is just as important as the price. Avoid companies who sell door to door or make their contact information hard to find – if they can’t provide the correct certifications, it’s probably a scam.

Check with your family members or neighbors if they have recommendations for a qualified pest control company (this may be especially helpful if you are looking to hire locally). Read testimonials on the company’s website or on business directories like Angie’s List.

Also – and this may seem like a no-brainer – don’t forget to check if they actually offer services to deal with your specific infestation. Some companies specialize in residential infestations, others in outdoor or landscape infestations. Look for a company that matches your needs. And if you have any questions about their services, don’t be afraid to ask.

 

Licenses, Certifications, and Pesticides

Look for a company that not only comes highly recommended but also is willing to prove their competency. Ask them if they would be willing to provide copies of their pest control license. Each pest control service category in the company must have at least one certified and licensed commercial pesticide applicator in order to legally apply pesticides.

Once you’ve chosen your top three or four companies, ask if they will inspect the site. Then compare the costs, suggested treatments, and how long the treatments will take. If a company tries to rope you into a package deal or monthly treatment, then they probably care more about the money and not about doing effective pest control.

 

Check for Safety

For those with chemical sensitivities, pesticides can pose some health risks. After receiving the estimates, ask the companies about the strength of the pesticides that will be used in the treatment, how long they will be applied, if they pose a threat to the health of your children or pets, and if they provide plant-based or nontoxic alternatives. You can also ask to see the labels of the pesticides they are planning to use for a complete list of ingredients, application procedure, and what precautions you should take.

Be sure to fully research every company before making your decision. While it can be tempting to hire the first company that pops up on Google, it is more important to take your time and weigh your options carefully. That way you can be sure you’ve chosen the best pest control company for the job.

We invite you to check us out, right here at Total Pest Solutions where we offer a variety of services for your pest control needs.