Getting pests in your home or business is stressful.
And here’s the thing…
It doesn’t have to be difficult to find the right pest control service either. With over 34,000 pest control businesses across the country, you have plenty of options. But that also means you need to know what to look for when shopping around for pest control services.
The truth is that if you pick the wrong company you’ll waste your time, money, and be left with the same pest problem you started with. But when you find the right one, you’ll get quick, effective pest removal, long-term protection for your property, and peace of mind knowing the job is done right.
What You’ll Discover:
- Why Professional Pest Control Matters
- Key Factors When Selecting Your Service Provider
- Understanding Different Treatment Options
- Questions You Should Always Ask
- Red Flags to Watch Out For
Why Professional Pest Control Matters
Did you know that 56% of homeowners have reported having a problem with ants in and around their homes in the last 12 months? That’s a mind-blowing stat.
What’s even crazier? The number of homeowners who report issues with ants, fleas, silverfish, spiders, roaches, rats, and mice in a given year totals upwards of 83%.
Here’s why that matters…
Professional pest control is much more than just hosing down your property with chemicals and hoping for the best. It’s a professional service that requires technicians with a real understanding of pest behavior, causes of infestation, and the know-how to implement effective solutions that get the job done.
DIY methods can seem appealing because they appear cheap. The problem is that they rarely address the underlying causes of the problem. Sure, you might have fewer ants for a little while. But then the problem inevitably pops back up, and you end up spending more money in the long run.
Professional pest services give you access to a range of benefits that the average consumer is unable to access. These include:
- Trained technicians with a deep understanding of pest biology
- Commercial-grade products that are not available to the general public
- Guaranteed results backed by follow-up treatments and maintenance plans
- Preventative maintenance to stop problems before they start
The bottom line:
Did you know that termites alone cause $5 billion worth of property damage every year? A professional inspection today could save you thousands in repair costs down the line.
Key Factors When Selecting Your Service Provider
Not all pest control companies are created equal.
When you need pest control services, whether it’s for reliable Lewiston pest control or something else, you want a company that checks all the boxes. The difference between a fantastic service and a mediocre one comes down to a handful of key factors.
Licensing and Certification
First and foremost, every company should be fully licensed and their technicians fully certified. Pest control is a heavily regulated industry. Licensing is required by each state’s Department of Agriculture. Check that the company you’re working with has all their credentials in order before signing any contracts.
Experience and Reputation
How long has the company been in business? What do their customer reviews look like? Experience is critical in the pest control industry.
You’ll want to work with a company that’s been around for years, not one that’s just popped up last month. Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Search for patterns in the feedback. Are their customers reporting satisfaction with the results? Does the company respond to negative reviews professionally and quickly?
Pro tip:
A reputable company won’t hesitate to provide references from other customers in your area.
Range of Services
Some companies specialize in particular pests, like termites or bed bugs. Others have a comprehensive list of services they can provide to treat any pest infestation. Take the time to ensure the company you choose is capable of handling your specific pest issue. Certain treatments will be more effective than others, depending on the type of pest.
Treatment Methods
You also need to feel confident in the treatment methods used by your pest control company. The industry has come a long way in recent years. The best companies now use integrated pest management strategies that combine multiple treatment options for the best results.
Ask about their treatment methods:
- Do they use eco-friendly products?
- Which chemicals do they apply and are they safe around pets and children?
- Do they offer organic or all-natural solutions?
A good company will be able to clearly explain their methods and answer any questions you may have without making you feel like they’re rushing you to make a decision.
Understanding Different Treatment Options
You’ve got options when it comes to pest treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones…
One-Time Treatments
These are for isolated pest problems. You have ants in your kitchen, you call and get a treatment, and that’s it. Problem solved. One-time treatments are best for minor infestations that don’t require ongoing maintenance.
Recurring Service Plans
This is where you start to get real long-term value. Recurring service plans are what most people use. They typically include:
- Quarterly or monthly visits
- Interior and exterior treatments
- Free re-treatments if the pests return between scheduled visits
- Preventive maintenance to keep future infestations at bay
Homeowners find that in most cases recurring plans actually end up saving them money over the long run because it helps to prevent expensive infestations from developing in the first place.
Emergency Services
You see a wasp nest by your front door? Bed bugs in your bedroom? Some situations require immediate attention. Look for a company that provides same-day or next-day emergency services.
Questions You Should Always Ask
Before you sign any contract make sure to get answers to these questions…
“What’s included in your guarantee?”
A solid guarantee shows the company stands behind their work. Most reputable services guarantee their treatments for at least 30 days, with many offering longer protection periods.
“How long will the treatment take?”
You need to know how much time to set aside and whether you’ll need to leave your home during treatment.
“When can I expect to see results?”
Different pests require different timelines. Ants might be gone in days, while termite treatments can take weeks to fully eliminate the colony.
“Do you offer free inspections?”
Many companies provide free initial inspections. This is a great opportunity to get professional advice without any commitment.
“What preparation do I need to do?”
Some treatments require you to clear areas, remove pets, or cover food items. Know what’s expected before the technician arrives.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here are some signs that a company should be avoided…
Pushy sales tactics: The second a company starts pressuring you to sign right now or telling you your house will collapse if you don’t get treatment yesterday, walk away. Reputable companies give you time to make a decision.
No written estimates: Always get pricing in writing before any work begins. Verbal estimates have a way of creeping up after the “job is done.”
Unlicensed technicians: It’s illegal for pest control technicians to work without a license in most states. It’s also a huge red flag that the company is cutting corners.
Prices that are too good to be true: Super low prices are almost always going to mean corners are being cut. Quality pest control takes time, proper products, and training.
Door-to-door salespeople: Legitimate pest control companies do not sell services door to door. Be very skeptical of anyone that comes to your door unsolicited and makes claims that they’ve found pests in your neighbor’s home.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the right pest control service is about protecting your home, your family’s health, and your wallet.
Do your research, compare prices and read reviews before you make a final decision. Asking lots of questions and taking the time to do a little background work will pay off in the long run.
Don’t be afraid to pay a little extra for a company that is licensed, experienced, and has a solid reputation. Choosing the right professional pest control company is an investment that will eliminate your pest problem and give you peace of mind for the long haul.
Whether you’re facing ants, termites, rodents, or any other pest issue, don’t wait until it’s a major infestation. When you need pest control services, take action quickly and choose wisely.