How to Choose the Best Pest Control Company
Making the Right Choice: What to Look for in Pest Control
Dealing with pest issues can be extremely frustrating. From ants invading your kitchen to finding termite damage in your walls, pests can cause not only annoyance but expensive home repairs. Deciding which company to hire is an important decision to ensure the job is done right.
Why Hire Professionals
While you may be tempted to try handling a problem yourself first, professional pest control services have the tools, knowledge of infestation areas, and access to effective pesticides that the average homeowner does not. Attempting DIY often aggravates the problem and scatters pests into other areas of the home.
In fact, pest control demand has surged in eastern Australia recently, with 2019 data from hipages showing a 38% annual increase in NSW jobs and a 67% yearly spike in Victoria.
Factors to Consider When Hiring
Hiring a qualified, reliable, and experienced pest control technician ensures the infestation will be effectively eliminated. But with so many service provider to choose from, how do you decide which one is best?
Here are the top 11 aspects to consider when researching pest control companies:
1. Proper Licensing, Certifications, and Training
First, verify the company holds all state licences and technicians carry proper certifications for your specific pest problem. For example, termite control requires specialised training and certification above standard pest control knowledge. Ask to see current license and certification documents. Reputable pest control companies will gladly provide these.
2. Service Guarantees
The best pest companies will guarantee their work 100% by offering warranties. This ensures any re-treatment needed is covered at no extra cost to you. Common satisfaction guarantees are 30-90 days up to a year for initial service, with 1-3 years for termite treatments.
3. Insurance Coverage
Never hire a pest control company lacking general liability insurance. If accidents happen during service, such as a technician knocking over an expensive vase, it protects you from any extra costs associated. Ask for a copy of the certificate.
4. Company Experience
Research how long the company has been in business and read reviews. The more established the company, the more pest cases they have successfully treated. Look for companies’ track record in business for 10+ years. However, read recent reviews too, not just overall ratings, to gauge current service quality.
5. Free, No Obligation Quotes
Avoid companies offering quotes or estimates over the phone or websites. To properly identify the pest and effective solution, the technician must visually inspect your home first. Companies should offer FREE onsite inspections and quotes without requiring you to commit to services. If not, keep looking!
6. Variety of Services
Choose a full service company experienced in treating all common pests: roaches, spiders, silverfish, rodents, white ants, and more. Companies specialising in only 1 or 2 pests frequently misdiagnose the problem. Then you’ll need to call another company to properly treat the actual pest anyhow.
7. Eco-Friendly Products and Procedures
Today’s pesticides are carefully regulated by the EPA but risks still exist, especially for children and pets. “Green” pest control provider minimise this risk by using naturally derived pesticides and traps first before considering tougher harsh chemicals. Ask about integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
8. Word of Mouth Referrals
Nothing confirms quality service better than happy customer reviews and referrals. Ask friends, family, neighbors, real estate agents, and other contractors for pest control referrals. Also, Google the company’s name + “reviews” to find more previous customer feedback.
9. Online Reviews
Speaking of reviews, check multiple websites like Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Read the most recent reviews, not just the overall rating. Complaints of poor service or pest problems continuing despite treatment indicate issues. Cross check reviews across platforms for consistency.
10. Response Time and Professionalism
When first contacting the company, note responsiveness and professionalism. Reputable companies call back promptly, answer questions thoroughly and respectfully, provide quotes quickly, and start service as soon as needed. Disorganisation signals potential problems.
11. Gut Instinct
Lastly, simply gauge how comfortable you feel about the company and its employees. Much like other home services, excellent pest control companies demonstrate competence, courtesy, cleanliness, and communicate every step of the process. Go with your gut feeling– you’ll quickly sense which companies have it together, and which don’t.
Following These Guide = Pest Free Living
While choosing a pest control service takes diligence, knowing the right qualifications to look for ensures you’ll partner with a knowledgeable professional.
After inspecting your home, an established company will explain necessary treatment plan, provide options if desired for eco-friendly pest control methods, and ultimately rid your home of destructive pests.
Following these guidelines leads to long-term prevention, giving you peace of mind that your home is protected.
