Pest control is something that most of us take for granted. We just assume that if we have a problem with bugs, mice or other pests, we can call a local pest control company and get the job done without any trouble. But as it turns out, hiring the right professional can be just as important as choosing the best way to deal with your pest problem in the first place. So, before you call anyone to come over and solve your problem, here are some things you should know:
DO be sure to do your research before choosing a pest control company.
The first thing you should look for is whether the company has been in business for many years—if they have been around for more than a few years, this can be an indication of the quality of service they provide.
Reviews and ratings from other customers are also important. You want to make sure that other people have had good experiences with them before deciding whether or not you would like to do business with them as well. Are you currently a Dr. Death customer? Please leave us a 5-Star review!
Finally, it’s crucial that you verify that any pest control company you hire has all appropriate licenses and insurance coverage in order to protect yourself against any liability issues down the road. You don’t want someone coming into your home without having all these things in order!
DON’T be afraid to ask questions to the licensed pest professional.
- Ask about the products they are using, their safety and how long they will last.
- Ask about the treatment process and what you can expect during that time.
- Ask about their experience and training regarding this type of home pest control problem in your area, including whether or not they have ever dealt with it before in your home or neighborhood.
DO your homework about pesticides and pest control procedures.
When it comes to your pest problem, do your research. You can check out the EPA website and look up the pesticide you’re considering. You’ll want to know what the active ingredients are, what they’re used for and how they’re applied. This is also a good time to look into which pesticides may be harmful or toxic to pets or children (or both).
Of course, your local professional pest control service will already be aware of all of this information, so feel free to quiz them. Thoroughly vet the company that’s coming out before signing any contracts or paying any fees and check with local government agencies about any complaints filed against them in recent years (if there are none, that’s great!).
If possible, talk directly with someone from their office who has experience with treating your issue; if not possible then make sure whoever comes out has been trained specifically on your type of problem and has access to specialized equipment for treating it so that he/she knows exactly what needs doing when he/she gets there.
DON’T Be afraid to ask for references, licensing and insurance information from a pest control company.
- A good pest control company will be happy to provide you with the names, addresses and phone numbers of past clients. (They may even have references you can talk to!)
- A good pest control company should be able to show proof of their licensing, which means they’ve passed inspection by a state or federal agency. The agency may be called something like “the Department of Pest Control Licensing.”
- You should also ask whether or not your potential pest control company has insurance in case anything goes wrong during their visit—this could include damage caused by pests!
DO ask the pest pro how your pets and children need to be handled during the service.
It’s important to keep your pets and children away from the treatment area. Pets should be in another room or outside, and kids should be supervised or sent to another part of the house. Pest control professionals know how to handle such situations with care, but it’s best if you don’t put yourself in a position where they have to figure it out.
DON’T ever let anyone apply any insecticides or pesticides if you have any doubts about their knowledge, skills or licensing.
You should never let anyone apply any insecticides or pesticides if you have any doubts about their knowledge, skills or licensing. You should also be sure that the company they work for has a good reputation. The best way to protect yourself against fraud and unscrupulous contractors is to check with your local licensing boards before hiring a contractor, who will then confirm someone is qualified to do the job.
We hope that you have found this information helpful. Now, you are ready to take on the world of pests!