As the saying goes, where you see one mouse, there are almost certainly more. The same applies to nearly any other kind of vermin that can wiggle its way into your home. Choosing an effective exterminator or pest control agent is important; ineffective treatments can have your problem returning in a week or two, and in some disastrous cases make your home MORE attractive to pests. To ensure that you get a properly qualified pest control agent you're going to need to front some hard questions, and hold firm until you get answers.
How experienced are you? Some companies specialize in different things; some go for rodents, others for wasps and ants, and others get into more esoteric things. When it doubt, try to find a pest control company that specializes in the kind of vermin you're seeing.
What organizations are you a member of? Most professional exterminators belong to some sort of regulating or professional organization, something that makes certain that they're certified to use techniques and behave by a professional code of conduct. The most common one is the National Pest Management Association. Similarly, check for complaints with your local Consumer Commission or Better Business Bureau.
Will your methods pose any danger to my children or pets? Once you've narrowed down their specialty, it's time to ask the nitty gritty questions. What methods will they be using? Are they potentially lingering, hazardous to pets or children, or prone to emitting vapours or fumes? What alternatives are there? Be wary of pest control companies that get dismissive of these types of questions.
Can you provide references? Ask to talk to some of their most recent customers (ones from the last three months or so) and see if they have current testimonials. In general, nobody will go out of their way to say that a pest control company does an excellent job, but it doesn't take much for one to get a negative reputation.
Can I get that in writing? Pest control usually follows a two page process - the first is an inspection to find out how they're getting into your home, what they're after and more. Get any kind of reporting in writing, and get a quote for the service. Be free in cross checking with other services to make sure you're getting good information and accurate pricing.
Are they pushy? Any pest control service that's trying a pushy or hard sell is a dead giveaway. Nothing, short of absolutely dire circumstances, should require an immediate decision. For most pest control problems, getting everything settled in a week or even two is more than sufficient. Any pest control company trying to get you to jump quickly on a deal is probably trying to get you to overlook something, or to scare you into paying more.
Have I checked with my local Consumer Commission or Better Business Bureau? If anything that the pest control company does, or doesn't do, causes you to question their practices don't hesitate to contact your local consumer commission. They will be aware of any issues involving this particular company in the past and can put you in touch with relevant local regulatory agencies.
As with any professional service, it pays to shop around and ask questions. Good luck and happy hunting!
How experienced are you? Some companies specialize in different things; some go for rodents, others for wasps and ants, and others get into more esoteric things. When it doubt, try to find a pest control company that specializes in the kind of vermin you're seeing.
What organizations are you a member of? Most professional exterminators belong to some sort of regulating or professional organization, something that makes certain that they're certified to use techniques and behave by a professional code of conduct. The most common one is the National Pest Management Association. Similarly, check for complaints with your local Consumer Commission or Better Business Bureau.
Will your methods pose any danger to my children or pets? Once you've narrowed down their specialty, it's time to ask the nitty gritty questions. What methods will they be using? Are they potentially lingering, hazardous to pets or children, or prone to emitting vapours or fumes? What alternatives are there? Be wary of pest control companies that get dismissive of these types of questions.
Can you provide references? Ask to talk to some of their most recent customers (ones from the last three months or so) and see if they have current testimonials. In general, nobody will go out of their way to say that a pest control company does an excellent job, but it doesn't take much for one to get a negative reputation.
Can I get that in writing? Pest control usually follows a two page process - the first is an inspection to find out how they're getting into your home, what they're after and more. Get any kind of reporting in writing, and get a quote for the service. Be free in cross checking with other services to make sure you're getting good information and accurate pricing.
Are they pushy? Any pest control service that's trying a pushy or hard sell is a dead giveaway. Nothing, short of absolutely dire circumstances, should require an immediate decision. For most pest control problems, getting everything settled in a week or even two is more than sufficient. Any pest control company trying to get you to jump quickly on a deal is probably trying to get you to overlook something, or to scare you into paying more.
Have I checked with my local Consumer Commission or Better Business Bureau? If anything that the pest control company does, or doesn't do, causes you to question their practices don't hesitate to contact your local consumer commission. They will be aware of any issues involving this particular company in the past and can put you in touch with relevant local regulatory agencies.
As with any professional service, it pays to shop around and ask questions. Good luck and happy hunting!
About the Author:
Author: Darren K. Thompson underlines the value of professional pest control on his website where you can also read strategies detailing ways to deal with termite infestations and other annoying pest problems.
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