How to Choose a Pest Control Company You Can Trust
Essential Tips for Selecting a Pest Control Service
Dealing with a pest problem at your home or business? Before you select a licensed pest control company, make sure you do your homework. The pest control industry brought in $850 million last year in Australia alone – so there’s no shortage of services to choose from. But not all companies are created equal when it comes to effectiveness, professionalism, and service value.
Check out closely potential pest control partners that can spare you some significant headaches down the road – and save you money too.
Let’s explore key steps for choosing a reliable pest control service company that resolves your issues completely.
1. Don’t Settle for the First Company You Find
When you see mice running around your kitchen or trails of ants and termites in your hallway, you likely want to take care of the problem right away! But choosing the first pest control company you find online or in the phone book is seldom the smartest choice.
While wanting the unwanted guests gone immediately is reasonable, taking a few days to find good local companies will benefit you later. Rushing to hire someone can lead to poor work, pests returning, or excess fees. Give yourself a strong start by first learning about options in your area.
2. Tap into Your Neighborhood Network
Before turning to Google to seek out a service provider, leverage word-of-mouth referrals from neighbors, friends, or coworkers in your community. Chances are some of these people have managed pest control issues previously and can make recommendations based on direct experience.
Ask for details like:
- Which company they partnered with
- Types of services rendered
- Professionalism of technicians
- Responsiveness to address any concerns
- Cost for services
- Whether the problem has recurred
Getting trusted opinions from your circle goes a long way compared to sifting through unknown reviews alone. Of course, feedback does have value too…
3. Analyse Online Reviews Wisely
Once you have a few companies on your shortlist from local referrals, take advantage of review sites to deepen your analysis. But don’t just focus on overall star ratings. Dig into what previous customers highlight about their experience.
If you see any concerning red flags like a company routinely ignoring calls or emails, poor communication from techs, or recurring pest issues after services, cross them off your list. Favor companies with proven longevity in the pest control field backed by client stories of thorough, lasting solutions and responsive customer service.
4. Ensure Necessary Credentials Are in Place
Reputable pest control companies invest resources into proper certifications, training and coverage for homeowners because they are committed to the long haul. When interviewing companies, require them to provide documentation on:
- Certifications: Staff should include certified professionals accredited in your state to deliver pest services legally and safely. This includes a registered head professional overseeing services on each job.
- Qualification: General business practice licensing as well as licenses granted specifically for pest control application from your state regulatory body.
- Safety Net: Both general liability insurance coverage along with pesticide/environmental liability coverage. This protects you financially in the unlikely event of technician errors or oversights which lead to damages.
- Bonding: Bonds supply additional protection should a company fail to fulfill duties outlined explicitly in your service contract.
Following up to confirm these items are in place provides immense peace of mind. After all, you’re trusting this provider to handle potent, specialised chemicals in spaces occupied by your family and pets!
5. Interview Thoroughly About Processes
Any company worth partnering with should be more than willing to explain step-by-step what working with them entails. Especially if considering a long term maintenance agreement or contract, understand precisely what’s covered.
- Inspections: Frequency, spots checked, documentation provided
- Treatments: Products used, treatment plans if needed, safety information
- Follow-Up: Post service communication, recall policies if issues emerge
A reputable company trains staff thoroughly as well and performs extensive background checks. Don’t hesitate to ask about tech screening and skills verification policies. It’s in their best interest to put their integrated pest management practices on display!
6. Review Guarantee Terms Closely
Pest control service warranties vary widely. Some only guarantee the work itself, while stronger ones promise the bugs will be fully eliminated for a certain period.
Look closely at details like:
- How long is the guarantee?
- Exactly what do they assure?
- What voids it?
- Who pays if pests reappear?
As you’d expect, the best assurance comes from experienced companies with robust training and treatment procedures. If they promise to fully get rid of pests long-term, the guarantee should back up that pledge.
7. Watch for Bright Red Flags
A few clear warning signs indicate when it’s best to scratch a pest control provider off your possible list entirely. Be wary of companies who:
- Remain vague or evasive about pesticides used and treatments
- Use high pressure sales tactics to force quick decisions
- Cannot furnish references from current clients
Quality pest control requires transparency about processes, patience to give them time to make informed decisions, and a track record of results. Don’t ignore blazing red flags if they emerge!
8. Match Services to Your Situation
Not all pest infestations warrant the same response. Nor do commercial settings require what residential settings do. Define your specific needs.
- Treatment required or preventative measures?
- Target pests identified or general protection desired?
- Ongoing maintenance recommended?
Share the details of your situation with potential pest control companies to see who can properly meet your needs.
Make an Informed Final Choice
Now that you have expert advice on picking excellent pest control, you can make an informed choice. Disregard urgency and rush decisions. Make a solid plan first.
Choose a company who listens to you, gives clear pricing, answers all questions transparently, and has proper safeguards. Doing this homework means you’ll work with an expert ready to fix issues completely rather than drag them out.
Want to get the ball rolling? Contact us today for a free quote and let’s get your pest situation handled the right way. Our team has a decade of extensive experience helping homes and businesses in the area banish invading insects and wildlife. Let our record of results go to work for you!
