How To Choose The Best Pest Control Company
Select The Best Pest Controllers for Your Home
Choosing the right pest control company is an important decision, especially with unique pest challenges in places like Australia. After all, you are inviting strangers into your home to handle potentially toxic chemicals that can impact the health and safety of your family, including your children and pets. And you want to make sure any pest infestations are resolved effectively. The pest control company you select can make all the difference.
Do Your Research
Start by asking friends, neighbors, or colleagues for tips if they can recommend a reliable pest control service they have used personally in your area. Online reviews on sites like Yelp can provide additional information about companies’ responsiveness, thoroughness, and professionalism. HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List also offer reviews along with the ability to compare estimates.
As you research, look for these key factors:
- Licensing & Certifications: Technicians should hold a valid license and be certified in your state if required. Reputable companies train staff regularly to keep their treatment methods and products up to date, ensuring the quality of their work.
- Industry Experience: Choose an established company with extensive experience addressing all types of pests, including termites- the more the better. Their website or salesperson should list specific qualifications.
- Insurance: Make sure the company is fully insured and carries both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage for employees. This protects you if any accidents occur on your property.
- Memberships: Professional associations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) require members to follow codes of ethics. Verify current memberships, especially if you are in Australia.
- Green Pest Control: Eco-friendly options show care and consideration for your home and the environment, especially in densely populated areas. Look for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.
Evaluate Estimates
When narrowing down your options, have 3-5 pest control companies conduct an inspection of your situation in-person and provide written estimates that clearly explain:
- The full scope of services, step-by-step
- Any satisfaction guarantee that pests will be eliminated
- What specific products they’ll use
- Projected timeline and number of visits required
- Exact pricing with no hidden fees
Avoid vague quotes or companies that push you to sign same-day without explaining the risks involved. Pest control professionals will take time to inspect thoroughly, then tailor treatments and a plan and quote to your unique needs.
Compare estimates closely to see which service and approach feels like the best fit. Make sure you understand everything being proposed, including any service contract. Ask questions if anything seems unclear or concerning.
Verify Licensing & Insurance Coverage
Before making a final decision, take these extra steps:
- Call your local licensing agency to validate the pest control company and individual technician(s) assigned to your home are properly certified in your area.
- Ask to see the company’s insurance certificates to confirm they meet state requirements for general liability & workers compensation policies. Reputable pest control experts will provide this documentation on request.
- Check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the company in the past 3 years. Also search online for the company or pest controller’s name plus words like “reviews,” “scam,” or “complaints” to uncover any issues other people have experienced.
Trust Your Instincts
Meeting with licensed technicians in advance is also wise. Do they seem knowledgeable and willing to address all your concerns? Were they on time and professional? Did they clearly explain their process and how they will perform the job?
Go with the pest control service you feel most confident in. Reputable pest control company with the best combination of experience, transparency, training, reputation, customer service, and effective care for your home makes the wisest choice. They will partner with you to eliminate your pest problem and prevent future infestations, giving you peace of mind.