There are a number of situations in which landlords, homeowners and renters can control household pests. This can be done through a series of preventive measures such as general maintenance, traps and proper sanitation. However, there are some cases of pest infestations that could be too extensive or too challenging to control. This is where the services of a professional exterminator would come in handy.
Choosing an exterminator to get the job done can be quite daunting; however, the best approach is never to rush into a final decision. You should think about talking with a number of different companies before making a decision as to which one is the best for you. Even in cases where the pest problem is critical, it is important to invest time into finding an experienced, reputable and well-established company. Doing this will yield the best long-term and short-term results in the long run. When choosing among different extermination companies, you should keep the key areas below in mind:
Experience
Find out whether the company had previously dealt with this type of issue. Additionally, it is good idea to ask for referrals from previous customers and log on to review websites to learn about how the company performed in the past. You should also ask certain questions. What is the length of time that the company been operating the business? Are newly-hired employees trained by more experienced workers? What level of experience does the company have when it comes to treating your specific pest problem?
Any reputable company should readily answer these questions. Have a discussion with the company regarding how they would handle your infestation - would they use traps, baits, exclusion or chemicals? Ask to have their pest control plan in writing so this information can be compared with the plans of other pest control company.
Qualifications
You should only use the services of extermination companies that satisfy the licensing requirements for the particular state you live in. This is important because licensing requirements differ from one state to the next and some are more stringent than others. Licensing can be verified by calling the pesticide regulatory office in your state.
Value
Contact more than one company for estimates and compare the services and rates. Many companies provide free estimates. Is the estimate presented in writing? Are you required to sign a long-term contract? If this is the case, what are the associated costs? What are the terms of the contract?
If a representative of a company is making you uncomfortable, it might not be the right one to service your home. Similar to professional interviews, it is important to have a comfortable connection with the exterminator. Typically, exterminator visits a home on a regular basis; therefore, when choosing an exterminator, a sense of comfort and good communication are recommended.
Do not make the blunder of believing that all licenses and certificates are created equal. Conduct individual research on each certification and license. You can do this by calling the licensing agency to discuss their requirements. As you make contact and conduct interviews with the companies, you should not be afraid to ask all the questions you deem necessary. Make sure you educate yourself about the infestation of the pests and the options available for treatment.
In addition, do not allow yourself to get pressured into immediately signing a contract. You should seriously avoid any company that tries to rush you into signing a contract with them. More established and reputable companies will patiently provide you with detailed answers and not rush you into signing a contract with them. Ensure you are comfortable with the company you choose for the project.
Need a recommendation? Watts Pest Prevention.
