What to Look For In a Reliable Pest Control Company

A quick online search for the phrase “best pest control company” will turn up dozens of businesses that potentially offer pest inspection, treatment, and prevention services. Some of these providers could even be based in your own jurisdiction.

But as with any industry, pest control specialists differ in experience and expertise. Choosing the right company requires extensive research.

In this post, we highlight the top things to look for when scouting for a reliable pest exterminator.

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1.      Industry Duration

How long has a pest control company been in business? More importantly, have they been actively plying their trade?

The answer to these questions can point you to a reliable pest exterminator.

While there’s no standard rule to benchmark with, a credible pest control company would need to have been in business for at least one decade. That’s a long enough period to amass practical industry experience.

2.      Positive Review

Customer testimonials can provide crucial insights into a pest exterminator’s credibility. Obviously, a company that has consistently delivered excellent value would enjoy an impressive approval rating from its previous clients.

However, ensure such feedback is published on independent review platforms and not those associated with the exterminator in question.

It’s also prudent to stay objective while sampling online customer reviews. Don’t be repulsed by one random negative feedback, or emboldened by an isolated positive testimonial.

3.      Valid License

Before engaging a pest control company, ensure they possess a valid license.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spells out the certification standards for pesticide applicators. A basic requirement is that any company intending to use restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in commercial or public spaces must be EPA-certified.

Besides meeting EPA regulations, your preferred pest control specialist would need to possess jurisdiction-relevant licenses.

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4.      Proper Insurance

While a pest control license provides quality assurance, insurance protects you from liability against bodily injuries or property damage that occur during the treatment process. Insist on exterminators with general liability and professional liability insurance.

General liability insurance guards against third-party personal injuries and property damage. Meanwhile, professional liability insurance cushions you from professional negligence. It enables you to file claims for substandard workmanship.

Some pest control companies possess pollution liability insurance as an add-on. This coverage is critical, particularly where the selected treatment methods cause significant ecological risks.

5.      Familiarity With Multiple Pests

Pests come in varying forms, from tiny bugs like mosquitoes to larger insects like roaches. Other common vermin include termites, ants, bed bugs, and rodents.

Depending on the season, your property could even be overrun by larger wildlife like raccoons.

Insist on a company with a proven track record of removing different pests. The more vermin an exterminator has dealt with before, the more diverse their experience.

6.      Provision of Custom Services

It’s unlikely that your property will be infested by different pests at the same time. So, it makes sense that you’d want an exterminator that provides a tailored approach to your pest situation.

Ask if the company has addressed your specific infestation before. If yes, inquire about their standard work methodology – from pest inspections to treatment.

It’s also best to select a pest control company that offers services customized for your property’s unique needs. For instance, the exterminator should recommend interventions that suit your long-term landscaping goals.  

7.      Use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Pest management companies utilize one of three primary pest treatment methods – physical, chemical, and organic. Each strategy offers unique benefits that make it ideal under specific situations.

Integrated pest management combines all three pest control techniques to minimize safety, ecological, and economic risks.

Thanks to the IPM approach, pest control companies can offer exceptional pest treatment services while minimizing costs.

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8.      Insistence on Eco-Friendly Products

Even if a company doesn’t utilize integrated pest management, it should prioritize eco-friendly treatment methods.

Inquire about the pest treatment products that an exterminator intends to use on your property. Then, identify the active compounds in such chemicals and ensure they’re EPA-approved as safe for humans and pets.

Skimping on this critical step may have you incur hefty medical bills treating illnesses caused by exposure to toxic pesticide chemicals.

9.      Local Availability

A pest control company should have a presence in your local town.

Proximity to your location enables the exterminator to respond swiftly to your requests for pest inspections or removal. That’s in contrast to an out-of-state company, which would probably drive several miles to get to your property.

Local pest exterminators are also conversant with local pest control regulations. Besides, these companies charge competitive fees since there’s minimal transport mark-up to pass on to their clients.

10.  Swift Turnaround Time

Pest removal can stretch from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the scope of infestation. That said, you want a company that guarantees swift turnaround time.

Many reputable pest exterminators offer same-day services for low-to-mild infestations, making them excellent for busy homeowners.

As hinted, the TAT could even be shorter if you scout for a pest control service locally. 

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Summary

Pests are inherently destructive. An infestation could inflict costly property damage, cause massive crop failure, or lead to the spread of deadly illnesses.

Therefore, the last thing you want is a pest control company that takes your money but delivers substandard workmanship.

Implementing the above tips can provide a significant head start when searching for a reputable pest exterminator near you. Remember to always trust your gut instincts to avoid pest control scams, even in the absence of apparent red flags.