Exterminators - What to Look For

Whether you’re struggling with ants, cockroaches or yellow jackets, hiring exterminators is a wise choice. That’s because these professionals are highly trained in eliminating pests. And exterminators are also skilled in using insecticides in the home to minimize exposure. Some companies even offer less toxic alternatives.

Get Multiple Bids
When hiring an exterminator, consider getting bids from three professionals. This will allow you to better understand what options are available for solving your home pest control issue. And some companies offer different guarantees on their work.

Also, before having exterminators come out to your home, make a list of details so they can provide an accurate bid. Outline how many rooms need to be treated and each point of entry, if possible.

Ask About Experience
If you’re using exterminators that handle many different pest problems, ask about their level of experience with the specific pest. For example, roaches and ants are treated differently than bees and wasps; so it’s important to have specific experience with the pest.

Get References
Correctly applying insecticides in your home is important in getting rid of pests. Ask for references specific to the issue you’re experiencing. This will demonstrate the exterminator’s experience in treating the specific issue.

Check for Insurance Coverage
Liability insurance will cover issues with your home and also injuries to the technician treating your pest issue. Although these problems are rare, it’s a good idea to make sure the company has it covered.

Verify Licensing
Before signing a contract, make sure to verify the exterminator’s licensing information. This can typically be found with your local regulatory agency or department of agriculture. Plus, you can always check with the Better Business Bureau.

Get the Plan in Writing
Partner with your exterminator to get a plan of action in writing. This should include a detailed description of how they plan on treating the issue and pricing information. Also, most companies should provide information about the chemicals they’ll be using, how the products will be applied, and any potential risks.

Ask About Guarantees
Some exterminators provide a guarantee. If they do, ask what it covers and how long it lasts. Plus, you might need to take additional action to keep the guarantee in force.

Other Tips for Choosing Exterminators

When hiring exterminators, it’s important not to choose based on price alone. Take into consideration the whole picture: level of experience, recommendations and strategies for pest removal.

Related topics: Commercial Pest Control, Pest Control Services, Fumigation