People seem to get desperate and panic when they need pest control.
When you search “pest control near me”, you’ll find a long list of pest control companies, but how do you know which one you can trust with your pest problem? If you don’t know the first thing that goes into pest control, then you can’t really make an informed judgment, but that’s why you’ve got us.
In this post, we’re going to tell you 8 mistakes you should avoid when hiring a pest control company. At Altus, we know a thing or two about pest control and what you should be looking for in a pest control service, so let us help you get rid of your pests once and for all.
1. Only Looking At the Pest Control Fees
The first thing people tend to look at when they start talking to pest control companies is the overall cost of the job. While it’s important to try to get a good deal, you need to make sure that you’re getting quality service and sometimes it’s better to pay more and get the job done right.
Companies that charge next to nothing are more likely to take shortcuts, which means you’re more likely to have to call another pest control company somewhere down the road. Get the best deal you can without sacrificing on overall quality.
2. Neglecting References and Reviews
Part of the research that you can do to help you get a better idea of price and quality is looking at customer reviews. Most high-quality pest control businesses will proudly display their customer testimonials on their website, which gives you an idea of what you can expect when you hire the company.
By neglecting personal references and reviews, you’re jumping into the pest control process completely blind. Googling “pest control services near me” will give you a list of companies in your area, but you’ll also be able to see star ratings and reviews of those companies. Look into the ones that have the best ratings and lots of reviews and you’ll have a great starting point for your search.
3. Not Asking About Skills and Training
Anyone that administers restricted use pesticides (RUPs) should be certified under EPA, state, and local laws. If you forget to ask about the skills and training involved in getting these certifications, then you can’t be sure that they actually have them. It’s important that your pest control company be competent and experienced, so don’t be afraid to put them to the test.
Not only is it dangerous for a company to use pesticides without the proper training and certifications, but it’s also probable that they’re going to do a bad job on your home. If you don’t want to end up having to hire another pest control company, it’s best to do your due diligence when it comes to research.
4. Ignoring What Types of Pests They Specialize In
Different pest control companies are going to specialize in getting rid of different kinds of pests. One might specialize in raccoons, while another could specialize in bed bugs. In doing your research, you should easily be able to find out what the company does best, but some companies might try to convince you to hire them regardless.
Always go with what they claim their specialty is and ignore the rest. If you need someone to get rid of termites, you might want to type in “termite exterminator near me” to get a more specific result. From there, you can adequately choose between companies that know how to solve your problem.
5. Rushing Into a Decision
A lot of times, you’re trying to find a pest control service under emergency circumstances. When you discover an infestation, the normal reaction is to try and eradicate the problem as quickly as possible, but this can lead to hiring the wrong pest control company.
This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make because trying to rush this decision almost always backfires. Don’t hire the first company that pops up on your search result because you’re stressed out, take your time, and do your research so that you can get rid of the pests once and for all.
6. Not Getting a Second Opinion
During these kinds of situations, it’s good practice to get quotes from a few companies before selecting one. When you talk to more than one company, you can get a much better sense of what the job entails, how much it’ll cost, and what you can expect afterward.
Approaching pest control with a sense of calm will always get you the result you’re looking for. Talk to multiple companies and talk to any friends or family members that have gone through a similar situation to get a good idea of what you’re looking at.
7. Not Asking About Procedure
Pest control can take as little as an hour or two or as long as a week in more severe cases where fumigation is necessary. It really depends on the type of pest you’re dealing with and how severe the infestation is. The only way you’ll really find out is by having a trained eye take a look at the situation.
However, it doesn’t hurt to ask about the procedure when you’re getting an estimate from a company. Most experienced pest control professionals will be able to give you some idea of what they’ll need to do and how long it’ll take to get your pest problem under control. If they can’t give you an idea, then it’s probably best to look elsewhere.
“Pest Control Services Near Me”
Googling “pest control services near me” will give you a great head start on controlling your pest problem, but if you’re going to truly get rid of them, you need to follow the tips we’ve given you. At Altus Pest, we’ve got experience on our side, so contact us today to discuss your pest problems and how we can help you find a solution.
