Start the search for an exterminator by asking friends, family, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. While these personal recommendations are not perfect, they do provide a way to judge the ability of the company to provide good customer service. They also provide a way to judge the effectiveness of the pest control methods and techniques used by the company. If you can’t find at least 3 recommendations, check with a referral service that includes recommendations, such as Angie’s list.
Ask the exterminators to meet you in person. Many of the questions you’ll have can be best answered in person. Note their manner and appearance. Do they look and act professional? Did they arrive on time? If not, did they call and notify you of the change? Does their vehicle appear professional? Is it clean and well marked? Were they helpful and informative or did they act more like were a salesman?
Ask questions to help you determine how professional they are. How long has each exterminator been in business? Are they licensed with the state? Can they provide documentation? If not they’re not a good candidate for your business. If you have questions, verify their claims. Ask how much training their technicians have.
Several other clues exist to help you find a professional exterminator. Insurance is one of these clues. Ask the company if they have insurance and if they can supply you with an insurance certificate. If they don’t have insurance or can’t furnish such a certificate, avoid them like the plague. Does the firm belong to any professional or pest control trade associations? These organizations offer benefits to their members like educational opportunities.
Ask about what methods of pest control the extermination service uses. This is an important question in several ways. The answer should not be limited to what chemicals will be used. Most professionals should also respond by explaining the importance of with a discussion of eliminating any potential sources of food and shelter for the pests. Treatment options should include techniques for preventing the pests from entering the home.
How will the firm react if you have a sudden insect infestation? You would expect the company to say they would come in quickly to knock down the infestation. Ask what steps they would take to insure the infestation does not reoccur. The exterminator should be able to talk about the life cycle of pests and what they will do to break the life cycle and prevent re-infestation.
Finally, ask about their pricing. How do they compare with other exterminators you’ve interviewed? The point of asking for several bids is to learn enough about each company to make a reasonable comparison. While price is certainly a factor, it’s not the only factor. It may not even be the most important factor. Also compare the companies on the basis of how professional they are, how knowledgeable they are and what level of customer service you believe they can provide. Understanding these factors will allow you to make a reasonable decision.
Florida Bug Inspectors is a leading Tampa . They have helped thousands of Florida families solve their pest control problems for over 20 years. If you’re in Tampa and need help with pests, call FBI.
