Dealing with bugs is stressful for homeowners. Finding termite tubes, cockroaches, or even rodents around your property gives you yet another thing you’ll have to deal with. To choose the right pest control company for your needs comes with its own challenges. How do you choose the right pest control company? Use our guide to help you understand all you need to know to make sure that your home is protected, and stays protected.
Pest Control Reputation Matters
Do a deep Google search of any pest control company that you are thinking of hiring. Don’t just rely on reviews alone. Many reviews can be fakes. But look at the reviews for a company across many platforms. Are they 4.5 on Google, but 1.5 on Yelp? That could be a red flag. You want to find consistencies in reviews on all networks online. Also, read the company’s testimonials on their website. When you read the testimonials, pick out specific things about your environment that makes sense. In North Houston, for example, termites are a big problem in our area. Reviews will mention specific pests that are local to your area. If, for example, a review mentions rodents that don’t exist where you live, that’s another red flag.
Go Local When Possible
There are plenty of “chain” pest control companies. Hiring one of the national brands may seem like a safe bet, but don’t count on it. I lived in an apartment complex that had a contract with one of the national companies. The guy came in to treat our apartment for cockroaches and sprayed the chemicals all over random areas including on the floors of our kitchen. He seemed almost obsessed with trying to spray the closet where our cat was hiding, even after we told him the cat was in there and to leave it alone. Needless to say, this national brand did nothing to help us with our cockroach problem. The local pest control companies know the area, they know the treatments to use, and they understand your environment best. They may/may not be the cheapest option, but they have more to lose if things go wrong than the national guys.
Talk to the Pest Control Company and Ask the Right Questions
Sometimes, your best judgement is that little voice inside your head. When you talk to the pest control company, they should make you feel reassured, and confident in your choice. While pest control companies can be busy, depending on the time of the year, you want to use a company that will hear your problems, and not try to rush you off the phone. If they offer a free consultation, make sure they do it thoroughly. See if they have examples of their work. Case studies are not always available, but they might allow you to contact another client as a reference. The pest control company should have a professional appearance. The truck, equipment, and outfits that they wear should give you a level of comfort. Not all pest control companies have tons of experience. Giving a new company a shot to be nice is a wonderful way to give a young upstart a chance to prove they belong, but they should look the part. If they haven’t invested enough into the right tools and know-how, you will be making a mistake.
Ask About Insurance
Ask the pest control company to show you licenses, certifications, and prove they are bonded. Insurance is something that your pest control company should discuss early in the process. A good pest control company carries both general liability insurance (such as in the case of a failure of safety precautions) and workers compensation insurance (to protect both you and them in case a worker is injured on your property).
Earthwise Termite & Pest has been North Houston’s leader in exterminating a wide range of pests in homes and commercial offices. Let our experience give you piece of mind! Contact us today for a free consultation and we’ll show you why we’re the right choice for your pest control needs.