What to look for in a good pest control company
Portrait of confident pesticide worker with thumbs up sign in back yard
The Company should be licensed. Most state or local agencies issue state pest control licenses. Contact your State Pesticide Regulatory Agency to make sure the pest control operator’s license is current if one is required in your state. Also, ask if the company’s employees are bonded, meaning that the company reimburses you for any loss or damage caused by the employee. Having license is insuring that the services the company offers is legit.
The company should be willing to discuss the treatment proposed for your home. Selecting a pest control service is just as important as selecting other professional services. Look for the same high degree of competence you would expect from a doctor or lawyer. Any company, including those advertising themselves as “green,” should inspect your premises and outline a recommended control program, including the pest to be controlled, extent of the problem, active ingredients for the pesticide chosen, Potential adverse health effects of the active ingredient, form of the pesticide and application techniques, Special instructions to reduce your exposure to the pesticide, Steps to take to minimize your pest problems in the future.
The company should have a good track record. Don’t rely on the company salesperson to answer this question. Research the answer yourself. Call your State Pesticide Regulatory Agency and find out if they have received complaints about the company. Ask neighbors and friends if they have ever dealt with the company.
The company should have insurance. Most contractors carry general liability insurance, including insurance for sudden and accidental pollution. Their insurance gives you a certain degree of protection should an accident occur while pesticides are being applied in your home. Contractors may also carry workmen’s compensation insurance, which can help protect you should one of their employees be injured while working in or around your apartment or house. Although most states do not require pest control companies to buy insurance, you should think twice before hiring a company that is not insured.
The Company should also guarantee their works. You should be skeptical about a company that does not guarantee its work. In addition, be sure to find out what you must do to keep your part of the bargain. For example, in the case of termite control treatments, the company’s guarantee may become invalid if you make structural alterations to your home without giving prior notice to the pest control company. The company may require that you pay for annual inspections subsequent to the initial treatment to keep the guarantee valid.
