Whether it’s bugs, squirrels, or mice, having a pest infestation in your home is never a pleasant experience. To ensure you get every last pest out of your home, it’s important to hire a reputable company. Here’s what to look for in a pest removal specialist when you’re ready to hire.
The Company
Reputation
Looking into the company’s reputation, both online and offline, is very important. Be sure to read reviews of each company you’re considering. Check out their HomeStars profile for things like a Verification Badge, high Star Score and recent reviews. Pay attention to how a company responds to reviews, especially negative ones. This will give you better insight into how the company treats its customers and handles feedback.
Insurance
As with any pro you hire, it’s important that they are carrying the right insurance to perform work on your home. Ensuring they have insurance protects you should an accident happen to a worker while on-site at your home.
Service
Before any work is done to your home, the company should find out as much information as possible about your pest issue. They should ask probing questions to be able to provide you with solutions and a treatment plan. If the company doesn’t ask any questions about your pest issue, this is a sign they’re not invested in the work.
The Technician/Pest Removal Specialist
Proper Licensing
The technician entering your home should carry an up-to-date license and certifications for pest removal. Ask them if they have an exterminator or pesticide license (which licensing they have will depend on the province they operate in, but they should have a license no matter what).
Chemicals
Depending on the type of pests you have, chemicals such as pesticides will have to be used. Be sure to ask about the chemicals the company is planning to use, and if they have licenses to use these products. The technician using the pesticide should have the proper licensing for that specific product. If the company/technician claims they use a “secret recipe” or “proprietary mixture” do not hire them. They should be able to tell you exactly what is being used in your home.
Knowledge & Experience
It’s important that the technician coming to your home is well experienced and knowledgeable about pests. If they’re able to easily answer your questions and provide thoughtful answers, you know you’ve found someone who knows their trade. If they try to divert or cannot answer your questions, consider hiring someone else.
Professional Appearance
Your technician should arrive wearing their uniform and their appearance should be that of a clean professional. In addition, their truck and materials should also appear to be clean and professional. They are coming to perform a serious job and their appearance should reflect a professional company.
The Job
Price
When it comes to pest removal, you don’t want to go with the cheapest price quoted. Be cautious of companies that promise to resolve your issues in one visit for a very low price. It’s likely their techniques are not up to standards and you will have to pay for another company to come in and do the job again. To save yourself the hassle and hundreds of dollars, you should get quotes from multiple companies. You can quickly and easily do this on HomeStars by clicking here.
Contract
For any kind of work done to your home, you should have a signed contract. This way you will know what to expect and what is included in the fee you are paying. A signed contract also protects you legally should anything go wrong between you and the company. If the company is not willing to provide you with a signed contract, find one that will.
Guarantee
If the company you’re looking to hire offers a guarantee, make sure you read the fine print and know what’s included. In addition, the company should also provide you with documentation guaranteeing their work and any recommendations to prevent a future infestation.
Dealing with a pest infestation is no one’s idea of a good time. This is why it’s important to bring in a pest removal specialist to properly handle the situation. Who you hire matters, so take some time to thoroughly investigate each and every company you’re considering. Get multiple quotes and be sure to ask questions. By taking these factors into consideration you’re sure to find a company that will handle your pest issue right the first time.
