If the thought of creepy pests makes your skin crawl, you’re not alone. With the hot, dry weather in Las Vegas, it’s not uncommon to find unwanted house guests from time to time. Even if you are the bravest of homeowners, there are times when it’s best to let a professional step in and get rid of these pests before it gets out of hand. This is especially true if your problem is ongoing or recurring.
As unpleasant as it sounds, ongoing issues with pests and insects usually indicate a larger infestation, which means you need a reputable exterminator to remedy the problem once and for all. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when hiring a professional exterminator:
1. Research the Company
Before even thinking of hiring an exterminator, always make sure the company you’re looking to hire is licensed and insured. Knowing this information helps protect you, your family, and your property from liability. You also want to know your exterminator is knowledgeable of hazardous chemicals and how to handle them.
2. Know Your Technician
Once the exterminator is at your door, make sure to ask for their identification, certification, and license before they even come inside. When checking an exterminator’s certification, always make sure that it’s valid and current. No one wants to spend money and trust their property with an exterminator that isn’t state certified and knowledgeable on products and safety.
3. Understand Their Plan
The exterminator should be able to answer any and all questions you have regarding pests. Rather than letting the exterminator have free reign over your home, make sure you understand their plan of attack completely. Have them walk you through what they will be doing and how it will affect you and your family.
4. Check References and Reviews
Before hiring an exterminator company, ask any neighbors or friends for referrals. Take your reference search further by checking with the state pest control association. Another source you can use for references is the NPMA, or the National Pest Management Association. It’s also worth noting that the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Yelp are good places to read reviews of any company you’re considering.
5. Price
As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” In other words, just because it has a relatively low price doesn’t mean that it’s a good deal. Ask for an evaluation and estimate before you commit to any rate, and do your homework by comparing estimates from other companies. You also don’t want to get locked into a contract unknowingly, so be sure to read the fine print before signing off on anything.
6. Appearance
Appearances can say a lot more than words. Is their outfit clean, professional and work-ready? Of course, there’s more to an exterminator than just his clothes. What about their vehicle? Is it labeled with the company’s logo and contact information? Is it filled with various tools and equipment? These are all questions you’ll need to ask yourself as the exterminator presents himself.
7. Services
Depending on your situation, you’ll want to make sure you hire a pest control company that has knowledge and expertise on the particular pest you’re dealing with. Whether it be rodents, ants, spiders, or roaches, double check that they have the proper equipment and materials to handle your problem. Look through their website at all the services offered and call to inquire about their services before you schedule your appointment.
8. Possible Pest Treatments
In most cases of infestations, an exterminator will mainly use chemicals to eliminate the pests. However, before using them, a good exterminator should have no problem explaining what the chemicals are, the possible side effects, and non-chemical alternatives they might offer. Keep in mind that any chemicals should be labeled and have a professional appearance. If you happen to be curious, you can ask your exterminator to provide a data sheet and a specimen label for every chemical used.
9. Expert Recommendations
As the exterminator is performing their service, they should provide you with recommendations for any future pest problems. For instance, should the inspection reveal a problem with the structure, the exterminator might have to wait and suggest that you get some maintenance such as hole repair and replacing weather strips around doors and windows.
10. Guarantees
A skilled exterminator company will offer guarantees, even if it’s a simple “satisfaction is guaranteed.” The best companies will offer a period of time (30 days, for example) in which they will come back if you happen to experience a reoccurrence of the problem at no additional charge. Always remember to read the fine print and ask about guarantees. This way, it’ll help you know how to request the guarantee should the need arise.
Nobody wants to deal with a pest infestation in their home, but paying for subpar service is even worse. That’s why it’s so important to scope out an exterminator company before committing to their service. Hiring a reputable, trustworthy, professional pest control company will ensure that you never have to deal with unwanted house guests again.