10 Important Questions To Ask A Pest Control Company

Things You Should Know Before Hiring A Pest Control Professional

Upon discovering a pest problem in their home, many homeowners employ the help of a professional pest controller. However, not every pest controller is the same. This is why you will need to choose one that fits your expectations and needs the most. Here are some questions you should ask.

1. What Types of Pests Do You Mostly Specialise In?

A pest control company may indeed tackle various types of pests. However, every company will have a certain type of pest they mostly specialise in. Some may cater more to small mammals; others may address insects. If you have a termite problem, you must know for a fact that they have enough experience with termites.

2. Is Your Pest Control Company Licensed and Insured? 

While not every type of pest control company needs a license, you should still go for a company that has one. Each Australian state may ask for a different license, so you may want to check with your local government first. If the potential pest controller cannot offer you any answers in regard to their insurance and licenses, then you may want to steer clear of their services.

3. How Long Has Your Company Been in the Business?

Of course, you can hire a relatively new company, as long as the pest controllers have the experience necessary. That being said, if the company is backed by more years of activity, you will get a much better gauge of their professional experience. They should have at least 5 years of experience.

4. How Much Training Do Your Pest Controllers Get?

It is understandable that regardless of how long a company has been activating, they may get new workers as well. You need to ask the pest controller about the training that the technicians receive. If they are reluctant to give you that kind of information, then you might consider that a red flag and start looking for pest controllers elsewhere.

5. Will the Pest Control Substances be Harmful to Pets and Humans?

Nowadays, most pest control substances are not toxic, but some may cause problems for pets or children once they are ingested. You need to ask about their toxicity levels beforehand. If the substances they use can lead to potential side effects, then you might want to ask them about non-toxic alternatives. This will give you more peace of mind.

6. Do Your Pest Extermination Efforts Also Keep the Pests Away In the Long Term?

Depending on the pest control efforts used, you’ll want to find out if the treatment itself is designed to keep the pests away. If it doesn’t or the protection frame they use is short, you may want to ask if they provide follow-up check-ups. This way, you will know you’ll stand protected against pests for a longer time.

7. Do You Offer Written Quotes for the Treatment?

A lot of companies simply give estimates, but nothing is ever really written down. This will give them a lot of leeway and surprise their clients with a lot of changes or hidden fees along the way. You need to ask them if they can provide you with an actual quote, and if they can have everything written down. This way, you’ll know you won’t have to deal with any unpleasant surprises along the way.

8. How Are the Treatment Options for Pest Control Chosen?

Every pest control company uses different methods for treating termites. For example, if you have a large termite infestation, then they may use live spraying of Termidor Termiticide on the premises. If you don’t have termites in your home but your neighbourhood does, then they may decide on a termite barrier or a termite baiting system. This may prevent termites from getting inside or eliminating the colony altogether before they begin to advance.

9. Where Can I Find Reviews or Testimonials About Your Services?

A good pest control company should be able to offer you all the referrals that you need. These can be Facebook reviews, website testimonials, and even more. A reputable company should also have a Better Business Bureau rating (BBB) that you can see on their website. If they cannot come up with any reviews, then it might mean they either just started the business, or they simply are not that good at their job.

10. Can You Also Identify the Source of the Infestation?

Many pest controllers will come inside an infested home and apply the treatment, but without looking for the source of the infestation. Unless the nest or colony is found, it will be like treating the symptoms, without addressing the actual disease. If the source of the infestation is not found, then the pests will just keep coming back.

The Bottom Line

A reliable pest control company should be able to answer any questions that you may have. If they are vague with their answers, then it might be your cue to start looking somewhere else.