Sometimes, pests invade our homes no matter how hard we try to observe good sanitation. And when that happens, it’s advisable to engage pest control service experts in getting rid of the pests, especially if the infestation is large or the problem has been ongoing for a while.
Having said that, not all pest control companies are good, so you need to be a little conscious and picky in the hiring process. The aim is to hire a company that can finish the job – efficiently! A good example would be this Phoenix pest control service. They have shown to be one of the best in that zone.
Here are five things you should keep in mind before hiring a pest control service:
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1. Experience is Key
Before engaging any pest control expert, check whether they’re experienced in the services you’re looking for. If a company has been operating for many years, it means that their experts have handled more pet-related issues, and they also have reliable clients who have kept them in business for that long.
However, this is not to mean that you should never consider engaging a newer company. If you decide to hire a company that has not operated for long, assess the reviews and testimonials from the few clients they’ve already served to determine if they have what it takes to fulfill your needs.
2. The Company Should be Properly Licensed and Insured
Ensure the company you hire is properly licensed to offer pest control services. Licensing is one of the ways to confirm that the technicians you’re about to hire are well trained to handle pest control matters. This means that they understand things like cleaning protocols, application methods, and safety measures. It is also important for a pest control company to have various types of insurance. And this includes general liability insurance and professional liability insurance.
Don’t be shy to ask them any questions regarding licensing and insurance. Some contractors may try to persuade you that there is no need for insurance as long as they can perform the job, but don’t fall for it. Remember, if something goes amiss during the operation and there is no insurance coverage, you could be left to incur all the damages.
3. Ask For an Inspection of the Site
Many companies will charge a fee for the inspection, but it’s worth it as it gives you a clear picture of the severity of the problem and what needs to be done to solve it. Since you’re paying for it, you can even ask the technicians to diagnose the issue in the form of writing.
The diagnosis should contain, among other things, a recognition of the pests, problems caused by the pests, course of treatments, frequency of inspections, pesticides to be used, and the cost estimate of the overall treatment plan.
During the inspection, you should also ask about the safety of the pesticides to be used and whether there are any precautions to protect children and pets.
4. Check Customer Reviews
This is the 21st century, and every reputable company should have an official website or social media presence. Before hiring any company, check their website to see some of their past customers’ reviews and testimonials.
However, most companies avoid sharing any negative reviews on their website. Therefore, you can also check other online public forums, like social media pages, to see what customers say about the company. Of course, you’re likely to see some negative reviews here and there. But, as long as most reviews are positive, there is no cause for alarm, and you can go ahead and hire the company.
The importance of checking reviews cannot be overemphasized. It gives you an idea of the quality of a company’s services, staff members’ professionalism, and overall customer satisfaction.
5. Check the Warranty Offered to Customers
It’s not guaranteed that the pest problem will end once and for all after the treatment. In some cases, the technicians have to do regular check-ups before the pests disappear completely from your home. For this reason, pest control service companies should offer you a warranty agreement that runs for a specified time. This gives you confidence that your problem will be fully solved.
During the first treatment, the technicians should check if there are other pests in your home, and with your permission, include that in their treatment plan. And while at it, they should also give you tips to help avoid another re-infestation.
Overall, keep in mind that pest treatment is not a one-off thing, and therefore, engage a company that offers ongoing maintenance.
The Takeaway
Finding a reliable pest control company doesn’t have to be a complicated process. But, it’s important to keep the five considerations in mind before hiring any technicians. Also, don’t be afraid to ask any question, and if a pest control service company is hesitant or unwilling to provide you with the answers, leave them and seek other providers. Pest control is a serious thing, so you should only engage a pest control company that has earned your trust.
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