How to Select a Pest Control Service

A pest problem can be overwhelming. You must deal with it as soon as it arises to prevent damage to your home and the spread of disease. While there are home remedies for many types of infestation, most people choose to hire a professional to exterminate and prevent pests. Choosing a pest control company can be challenging; knowing what to look for can save you time, energy and money.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Collect phone numbers of several pest control companies in your area and call each one to ask questions. Keep paper and pencil handy to take notes.

2. Explain your problem thoroughly and ask the company for a detailed plan of attack and a price quote. Some companies will require you to sign a contract for multiple visits, while others will advertise a one-time fix.

3. Ask if the company uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technique, which requires homeowner participation to maximize the treatment's effect. While this might mean extra work for you, it is highly recommended because it is more effective.

4. Decide what your chemical tolerance is and ask the companies what chemicals they use. Many companies use chemicals extensively, which is inappropriate for people with respiratory problems or those sensitive to allergens and chemicals.

5. Read independent customer reviews and ratings of the company. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any outstanding complaints against the companies (see Resources).

6. Continue evaluating the company while meeting with a representative. Determine whether or not the company is currently licensed, and ask for proper documentation. There should be a Certified Operator within 100 miles of the company's office. Most states require exterminators to pass two written exams to become certified. Certification must be renewed every one or two years. Exterminators should be able to produce this type of documentation. If you are dissatisfied, you can still decide not to use the company at this point.

7. Read the contract thoroughly. Determine how many visits you are obligated to pay for, when you must pay, how often the exterminator will come, and look for possible exclusions. Some contracts will have clauses that exempt the company from responsibility for damage done by the pests they fail to eradicate or by their employees. Look for a guarantee. If any of these items do not meet your standards, do not sign the contract.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension System
• California Department of Pesticide Regulation Guide
• "Wall Street Journal": What your exterminator won't tell you

Resources

• Better Business Bureau
• Consumer Reports
• National Pesticide Information Center