How to Pick A Pest Control Company

When you need to find a company to get rid of ants, mice, cockroaches, or other pests in your home, you are likely to see many different company names and descriptions, such as XY Pest Control, YZ Pest Management, ZX Pest Elimination, YX Pest Solutions …?

Pest Control

What’s the difference? And which is best?

Like in any industry, pest control has its buzzwords and jargon. Although services will differ from company to company, the words in the company’s name are not usually the best way to make your selection. Rather the words elimination, management, solutions, etc. are often selected as much as a marketing tool as any indication of the company’s service program.

How to Choose a Pest Control Company

So, to go back to the first question: What’s the difference? Although some companies may want people to believe that they are different because their name says they will eliminate pests (instead of other names that say the simply control them), homeowners are best to follow a slight spin on the age-old adage: “Don’t judge a company by its name.”

Instead, in answer to the second question (Which company is best?), the best way to select a company is to conduct research prior to allowing anyone into your home, and, especially, before signing a contract:

1. Ask trusted friends and neighbors for referrals. That way you will be working with a company that has proven its value to someone you know.
2. Check out the company’s website. Although this, too, is a marketing tool, most companies will include information about their services, pest-specific options, history, and, of course, contact information.
3. Contact the company and ask questions. Describe your problem and listen to what they say. If you are not comfortable with the answers, or you feel that any of your questions are being dodged, you should check around with other companies to get at least a couple other opinions and options.
4. Ask the company if it is licensed, bonded, and insured; and its technicians certified. All technicians must be state-certified and licensed and should carry these documents with them as well.
5. Get an inspection. Prior to starting any service (and generally before even quoting anything more than a “ballpark” price), a company associate should come out to your home or business and conduct an inspection, identify the pest(s), and explain what the service will include and why.