Tips for Choosing a Pest Removal Service
You’ve just relocated to a new city, only to discover that the property you bought is plagued with pests – of every sort. Packing up may not be an option, hiring a pest control company definitely is. But how do you go about doing so?
Insurance
First off, the service you pick must be insured. You do not want to be liable if one of the exterminators hurts himself within your property. If you’re not sure, call their client references or ask neighbors for referrals to an insured service.
Company Reputation
Highly reputed pest control services typically have a website. If you have a prospect, check their site and look for testimonials (although they will probably not publish negative ones). You can also look for reviews on popular consumer third-party websites like Angie’s List and Yelp.
Products Used
When calling a pest control company, ask what products they use. In the world of pest control, one-size-fits-all doesn’t work. You don’t exterminate rats with a product made for cockroaches. Find a service that employs a custom approach to every infestation.
Reasonable Pricing
Pest control companies may attempt to lure in more customers by saying they have cheaper rates than their competitors. However, this may not match your home’s specific current needs. There’s a whole range of unique pest control packages anyway. Find a service that is glad to work around your budget.
Regular Reporting
As mentioned, there are many types of pest extermination projects, but for the more extensive ones, such as tent fumigation, regular reporting is a must. Inquire from the company you’re considering whether their employees will provide such reports regarding the progress of extermination, especially when the timeframe is short. In most cases, they will send someone to personally see the extent of the infestation. This is the only way for them to accurately estimate the duration of the project. If they give you a timeframe over the phone without actually visiting your home, be wary. Reputable pest control services never do that.
Professionalism
In terms of the staff, you will, of course, want a company that trains its employees to act professionally. Do they treat you with respect when you’re talking on the phone or in person? How long do they put you on hold when you call? Are they known for delivering on their promises? Are they in proper uniforms? Are their products correctly labeled? Moreover, a pest control specialist must be glad to walk you through their methods and processes before starting the work.
Recurrent Infestation Management
Finally, with the possibility of recurrence always present, you’ll want a company that can handle it well but without tying you down in a long-term agreement. In other words, commit yourself to the return of the company only if there are clear signs of re-infestation.