Authored by: UrbanWale Blog Contributor, Nisha Singhania
How do we choose a proficient pest control service?
First, many of us, as homeowners, renters, and landlords, can control pests in the house through several home remedies, including proper hygiene and proper home maintenance practices. However, the infestation of certain pests can be widespread or difficult to control, which requires the services of a pest control company.
You should select a pest control service just like any other service - look for value and quality. Costs and competencies are important. At the point of choosing a pest control service, price shouldn't be the only factor determining which company to choose. It is important to make sure that the pest control company you choose is knowledgeable. Pesticides are capable to cause health and property damage. Before entering into a contract with a pest management company, consider the following:
Take Time / Do Homework
When most people find a pest problem, they want the problem solved immediately. However, most problems can take a few days to have time to choose the right company at a reasonable price. It is reasonable to get some estimates from potential companies. Most companies provide free estimates.
Don't be afraid to question the company
When it comes to finding pest control activities that need to be tackled, the saying "no dumb questions" applies in particular. Pest control service provider should know that the average person will have questions about the cause, potential damage, and treatment of the pest in question. A knowledgeable pest expert can provide detailed pest information in a way that is easy to understand to someone unfamiliar with the area.
Questions you can ask a potential pest control company
How many years have you been working at your current address?
Contact organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, the Department of Agriculture, or the Attorney General’s Office, or the EPA to find out if pesticide abuse lawsuits have been filed against the company or its applicants.
Would you give me a list of references?
Contact various referrals to see if they are satisfied with the service of the pest control company.
Will the person (s) providing the service is an authorized, licensed pesticide applicator or an authorized technician?
Each company must have at least one certified and licensed commercial pesticide applicator in the appropriate service category. Other company applicators must be certified applicators or authorized technicians under the direct supervision of an authorized applicator.
Licenses can be checked
Will you give me a copy of your pest control license, copies of the labels of all the pesticides used and the prices at which they are used?
Reliable applicators will show you their credentials and will be able to provide you with copies of pesticide labels showing how the product should be applied, including the exact dosages and necessary precautions.
Check the licenses and certificates on their website- Is there a place on their website where you can find licenses and certificates? It is worth considering how well-informed they are and what criteria they meet. Is it safe for them to process schools or food processing units? Another element to watch out for is the control of environmental certificates.
See the company's employee page, if applicable. Are there entomologists on the staff?
The science of insects is known as entomology. It's a positive sign if the company has an entomologist for the employee, especially with a master's or doctorate. Entomologists impact pest management organizations in a variety of ways, including developing pest management strategies, providing training, and solving difficult pest problems.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
When choosing a pest control activity, you should look for one that offers guaranteed pest control. Even if it costs a little more than going to a company that doesn't have it, it pays off. The warranty has two advantages. First, if the organization cannot solve your problem for the first time, they will solve you at no additional cost. Second, organizations that offer guarantees are motivated to solve your problem for the first time because providing additional services for free is less profitable.
Stay Alert Of Pest control fraud
There are shadow practitioners in the field of pest control. Fortunately, there are always ways to identify scammers. Here are some helpful tips:
Always ask for a technician's license before you start spraying your home. Some provinces allow companies to only have one licensed professional exterminator who then "trains" the other employees. Since these other employees are not licensed and certified, you have no real assurance that they have the expertise in handling chemicals.
Beware of free spontaneous visits and always get a second opinion. Some exterminators will be exhibiting on your doorstep, offering a free inspection, and conveniently discovering a huge pest crisis that you had no idea was there. Some crooks will even drop a few dead bugs on your floor, "find" them, and then give you an unreasonable amount for pest extermination. While some reputable pest control service providers offer free inspections and legally find evidence of pests, you should know that these companies make their inspectors work on a commission basis so they rely on their sales to get paid. This can lead inspectors to lie or distort the truth.
Don't put pressure on a self-renewing contract. Some companies are trying to intimidate homeowners into signing a one-year contract, claiming that even if they have already completed treatment, it will take even more inquiries to get rid of it completely. They could also say that the contract will automatically renew even if there are still signs of a pest at the end of the year. While most states have laws against self-renewing contracts, promising better pest control can force you to make a decision that may not make sense. For most parasites, a single treatment should solve the problem.