The process of finding a trustworthy service for your home can be a stressful experience, and pest control is no exception. There are so many pieces of criteria that you want the company to hit, such as extensive knowledge, effective products, thorough services, and stress-free billing. So how can you narrow your options down to find the greatest pest control services in the area? Let’s answer this question by discussing the most efficient ways to see which service is best!
Have Your Information Ready
First and foremost, the “why” of your search for a pest control company is important to know. It sounds simple enough, but knowing your primary concerns helps you narrow down your search to companies that can solve those issues. Are you looking to prevent pests (like your annual ant invasion) or eliminate a current infestation? An excellent pest control company will do both, but knowing your main desire is a good place to start. If you do have an ongoing pest issue, take note of all the details that you can. Some key factors include the type of pest, the main areas of activity, any visible nests, and the approximate size of the infestation. These details will also come in handy once you call the company because they’ll be able to tell you what treatments they have for your pest problem.
Research, Research, Research!
This is probably a repeat of what your teachers in high school told you every day, but they made an excellent point. It’s essential (in our humble opinion) to thoroughly research when you’re looking for a home service because you want to be sure that you’re entrusting your house to a reliable company. In terms of pest control, start by researching companies in your area and looking at their websites. Make sure that your finalists actually treat for the pests you’re seeing, as every company has their own specialities. Read customer reviews to see if they are consistently positive and find any concerns that make the company an immediate “no” for you.
Know Your Main Concerns
As you research pest control services, look for the companies that address your concerns. For example, if you have young children or pets, you might be worried about the dangers of pesticides. The most harmful ingredients (DDTs) have been banned since the 1970s, but there are still some treatments that are safer than others. Companies who use “green” treatments tend to display that fact on their websites, so we recommend looking into the service descriptions of each one. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with asking the representative when you call a company. This step can actually tell you if there’s a red flag with their services. If they dodge the question of how their treatments impact humans and pets, it’s a sign to move on to the next.
Ask Clarifying Questions
Besides the question of treatment ingredients, there are plenty of other logistics and features to inquire about once you contact a company. There is nothing wrong with asking good questions before you schedule a service, and any company that makes you feel otherwise is not one to trust. You should also feel comfortable asking questions during the actual service, as a dedicated technician will be happy to share their knowledge with you.
Some questions to ask during your initial call include:
- What kinds of treatments do you use for [insert your pest issue here]?
- Will these treatments prevent future pest problems?
- Are your technicians trained and licensed?
- Is this a one-time service?
- How often are your visits if I sign up for regular services?
- What does your billing system entail?
Get Licensed Technicians
If you’re paying for a professional to treat your house, it’s completely reasonable to expect them to know what they’re doing! Expert technicians should be fully trained and licensed in applying treatments because it is a health hazard if they don’t have the proper certifications. Every state has its own requirements, and the general correlation between safety and extensive training is positive. The technicians should know what they’re doing and have the proper training for each of their treatments. Make sure that the company you choose prioritizes training and licensing for its technicians.
Inquire About A Guarantee
In a perfect world, pest treatments would work perfectly the first time they’re applied. Actually, there wouldn’t even be pests in a perfect world, but we digress. The most effective products still might need some touching up if the infestation is too large for one service to solve. If you have a current pest problem that you want gone, ask your new company about their guarantee or warranty policy. If any pests return after a service, will the team return for a free re-treatment within a certain time frame? Experienced pest control companies should have some kind of policy in place because that shows they believe in their services to the point of offering a free re-service if the pests aren’t gone yet.
Evaluate The Customer Service
This one is based on personal guidelines since one person’s idea of great customer service will differ from someone else’s. Generally, good customer service in pest control is displayed by how much that company wants to help its customers. From the office staff to the technicians, you as the client should feel like your home is in good hands. The professionals should do a thorough job of explaining your pest issues, treating the problems, and answering any questions you have along the way. There is no excuse for a pest control technician to start a service by being rude or impatient with a customer’s concerns, so just know that you do not have to settle for a less-than-stellar experience with your pest control services.
You Get What You Pay For
This age-old saying applies to all kinds of purchases — headphones, shoes, wedding cakes — and it is definitely applicable to a service like this one. Professional pest control is (ideally) worth the money because it protects your home and family from destructive, disease-spreading pests. Excellent pest control is pricier, but that’s usually because the company uses high-quality products and fully trains its technicians. Don’t take a chance on a pest control company that’s dirt cheap just to save some money. In this case, it’s often a sign of inferior pest treatments that won’t keep the pests away for long. Ask your chosen company about any deals or bundles that can save you money while still giving you the reliable pest control that you desire.
The Pointe Difference
At Pointe Pest Control, we don’t believe in temporary fixes that don’t even target the root of the pest problem. That is why our highly-trained technicians begin every service with a thorough inspection of the property. We want to find every “hot spot” of pest activity and concentrate our treatments in those areas, carefully targeting the present pests and preventing future pest invasions. We look forward to providing you with long-term solutions to your pest concerns, so contact us to learn more about our reliable pest control services!
Citations
How to choose the right pest control company. (2023, August 22). Fairway: The Wood Group. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://woodgroupmortgage.com/articles/choose-pest-control-company
Jordan, J. (2023, August 24). How to choose the right pest control company for your needs. LinkedIn. Available at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-choose-right-pest-control-company-your-needs-jenny-jordan (Accessed on March 8, 2024).
Tips for selecting a pest control service. (2023, June 29). United States EPA. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/tips-selecting-pest-control-service
West, S. (2023, April 18). How to hire a pest control professional. Forbes Home. Available at https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/hiring-a-pest-control-company/ (Accessed on March 8, 2024).
