This is tough one. I want to approach this subject without having a bias or trying to toot our own horn, so let me get this out of the way. If another company suits your needs, budget and schedule better than us, please do not hesitate to drop us and go with them. With that said, here are some things to keep an eye out for when looking for a pest control company that works for you, the customer.
Qualified, Licensed, and Involved.
This one pretty much goes without saying. Here in the state of California, it is not legal for any schmuck to pick up a jar of pest killing ooze and dump it all over the place. When looking for a pest control company, look for some guys who are given the thumbs up from the state to start killing bugs. A company will usually say something along the lines of “we are fully licensed, bonded and insured” to announce the legality of their service. If a company seems a little sketchy to you, go ahead and ask them if they are fully licensed and bonded. There is a lot of nuance to pest control, and though it’s not nearly as dangerous as it was 20+ years ago, it is still important to be cautious and aware with pesticides.
Most states also have pest control boards or organizations that keep companies up to date on all the new laws and regulations in our industry. It is always a good idea to make sure your pest control provider takes an effort in being informed and involved in the lawmaking community.
Quality Over Savings
While it’s always great to save a buck every once in a while, with some services you definitely don’t want to be cutting corners. I’ve heard plenty of horror stories of people infested with bed bugs who have to deal with a “cheap” pest control company that just can’t get their issue taken care of after multiple treatments. After 2 or 3 retreats for bed bugs, they would have spent the same amount as if they had paid an experienced, though slightly more costly, pest control provider for just one service. And that one service would have actually worked!
What’s worse is that these companies will usually lock you into a 1-2 year contract that you just can’t get out of. These kinds of companies are pests in themselves. Which brings me to my next point.
Stay Away From Contracts
Contracts. These things are ridiculous. Not long after my cell phone contract expired, I quickly hopped onto a contract free plan. I was sick of being stuck with an overpriced, unnecessary cellular plan. Cell phone plans aren’t the sort of things that should be occupying our brainspace. Neither should pest control.
Honestly? Contracts? I’m flabbergasted that PEST CONTROL contracts exist. Just pay someone to kill bugs, if you don’t have bugs any more then cancel service! That’s it! You could easily get contract pricing with a company that refuses to have contracts, those are the sort of companies people should go for. What’s worse, a lot of these contract-loving companies will downright trick people into signing up for a contract. They promise great pricing, but they won’t give that pricing over the phone. You don’t need an “inspection” to get pricing for ants, spiders, earwigs, pill bugs, cockroaches, etc. Keep in mind, termites legally need inspections and reports. But none of that should lock you into any sort of agreement. Please, don’t sign a contract.
Know What You're Getting
Most companies offer a slew of offers, guarantees and specials, be sure to read the fine print. Unfortunately, in most cases pests like german cockroaches and bed bugs will not be guaranteed due to their source-based nature. But ants, spiders and general creepy crawlies are typically guaranteed by your pest control provider. Sometimes even more pests are guaranteed, like fleas, wasps and oriental cockroaches. Be sure to ask what exactly is covered under your pest control service. You would be surprised by some of the pests that are or aren’t covered under your current plan. For instance, most people don’t know that our service will have them covered for scorpions. Know what you’re getting.
Know Who You're Getting
We live in a world where the weight of the term “family owned” is growing weaker, and honestly not everyone cares about that sort of thing. Some of these mega companies just want to kill your bugs and never deal with you again. Others find long-term relationships in their customers and clientele, and some focus primarily on quality and customer satisfaction. None of these companies are “bad” by any means, but some customers may prefer to hear the same voice or see the same technician. Others don’t want to be bothered and just want to see less bugs. Keep in mind when setting up an account who you’re setting it up with.
Don’t let a pest control company pressure you into signing up with them just because they happened to be the first one you called. Shop around a little, find a company that won’t pull a fast one on you. Find a company that will be the most cost-effective and efficient for you. Be careful not to cut corners and know who you’re getting. Soon you’ll be bug-free in no time.