Considerations When Vetting a Pest Control Company

Pest control companies might seem abundant in the area where you live, but not all companies are the same. When you sign up with a pest control company, whether it's for a one-time service or for ongoing pest control treatment, it's important to hire a capable and reputable company that can control your particular type of pests.

Customer service practices, availability, reputation and area served are all factors that can affect your experience with that company. Before you hire a pest control company, ask the following eight questions.

1. What's Their Service Area?

Most pest control companies have a designated service area. Look for a company that serves the area where your home is located. If you're on the outer edges of a company's service area, scheduling a treatment may be more challenging for your pest control provider. Ask the company whether your location will impact your ability to get regular service before saying yes to that company.

2. What's Their Reputation?

You can gauge a company's reputation in many ways. Long established pest control companies may have a long list of client testimonials on their website. Look for mention of awards on their website and accreditation through the Better Business Bureau.

If the company you're considering does not have a website, check with the Better Business Bureau directly to see if they are accredited, and ask the company for references in your discussions over the phone.

3. Will They Treat Pests That Affect Me?

Most companies only treat specific types of pests. When trying to decide whether to hire a company, check that the company will treat the type of pests you're experiencing at your home.

Hire a company that treats a long list of pests, not just the type of pests you're experiencing at your house. The more pests the company treats, the less likely it is you'll have to switch companies if you should develop an infestation of another type of pest in the future.

4. Are They Easily Reachable and Available?

Make a note of days and times when the company is open, and whether they offer weekend hours. Availability is an important factor that will affect your future interactions with the company. The larger the company's window of availability, the easier it will be for you to conduct business with that company.

Also note how the company prefers to be reached. Do they list an email address as well as phone number? Do they have a fax machine? The more ways the company can conduct business with you, the easier it will be to do business with them.

5. Do They Have a Home Service Plan?

Many homeowners need ongoing pest control service. A pest control company that doesn't provide an ongoing service plan to customers may become expensive for ongoing treatment. You might have what seems like a one-time pest problem now, but look for a company that offers an ongoing service plan in case you need it later.

6. Can I Also Use This Company at My Business?

If you're a business owner as well as a homeowner, then you may find yourself needing pest control services at your place of business. Working with a pest control company that provides commercial services as well as residential services means that you'll only need to work with one company for all your pest control needs.

7. Is This Business Professional and Organized?

When trying to evaluate how professional and organized a pest control company is, evaluate many factors, including:

• Do they have a well-designed website that thoroughly explains their services?
• Does the company answer the phone right away when you call during business hours?
• Are they polite over the phone?
• Can they easily answer questions about pricing structure, ongoing service arrangements, areas serviced and pests treated?
• Does the person who answers the phone have knowledge of the pest control practices used by the business?
• If the person who answers the phone doesn't know an answer to your questions, do they find an answer quickly and reliably?

Working with an organized business will make your interactions with that company a more positive experience overall. Avoid working with a company that doesn't display a professional phone manner or that doesn't seem to prioritize the needs of the customer.

8. How Much Will Service Cost and How Will I Pay?

Look for a company that fits your budget. When inquiring about the price, find out how you'll pay. The more payment options provided, the easier it will be to do business with that company.

Contact Us

The pest control company you choose could have a dramatic impact on your life, because it could mean the difference between a home with pests and a home without. Choose wisely and be thorough when vetting your pest control company.

For more information about pest control services and how to choose a pest control provider, contact Paffy's Pest Control. We'll be happy to answer your questions.