When it comes to hiring the best pest control experts, there are several factors to consider. A pest infestation can be a significant problem for any homeowner or business owner, causing damage to property, spreading diseases, and creating an unhealthy environment. According to the National Pest Management Association, the pest control industry is a growing market, with an estimated global value of $17.4 billion in 2020. With so many pest control companies out there, it can be challenging to find the right one for your needs. In this article, we will provide you with the top tips for hiring the best pest control experts, including how to research, interview, and evaluate potential candidates.
Key Points
- Research and identify licensed and certified pest control professionals
- Check for insurance and bonding to ensure financial protection
- Evaluate the company's experience and reputation in the industry
- Get multiple quotes and compare prices and services
- Look for companies that use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques
Research and Due Diligence
Before hiring a pest control expert, it’s essential to do your research and due diligence. Start by asking for referrals from friends, family, or neighbors who have used pest control services in the past. You can also check online review sites such as Yelp or Google Reviews to see what other customers have to say about a particular company. Additionally, check if the company is licensed and certified by the relevant state or national pest control association. For example, the National Pest Management Association offers a certification program for pest control professionals, which ensures that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective pest control services.
Licenses and Certifications
When researching a pest control company, make sure to check for the following licenses and certifications:
- State license: Check if the company is licensed to operate in your state
- National Pest Management Association (NPMA) certification: This certification ensures that the company meets the industry standards for pest control services
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification: This certification ensures that the company follows the EPA guidelines for pest control services
For instance, a study by the NPMA found that 75% of homeowners consider a company’s certification and licenses when hiring a pest control professional.
Insurance and Bonding
Another essential factor to consider when hiring a pest control expert is insurance and bonding. Make sure that the company has the necessary insurance coverage to protect you and your property in case of accidents or damage. Additionally, check if the company is bonded, which ensures that you will be compensated if the company fails to complete the job or causes damage to your property. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of pest control services is around 500-700 per year, so it’s crucial to ensure that you’re hiring a company that is financially responsible.
Types of Insurance
When checking a pest control company’s insurance, make sure to look for the following types of insurance:
- Liability insurance: This insurance covers damages to your property or injuries to you or your family members
- Workers’ compensation insurance: This insurance covers injuries to the pest control technicians while they are working on your property
- Property damage insurance: This insurance covers damages to your property caused by the pest control services
A survey by the Pest Control Technology magazine found that 60% of pest control companies have liability insurance, while 40% have workers’ compensation insurance.
Experience and Reputation
When hiring a pest control expert, it’s essential to evaluate the company’s experience and reputation in the industry. Check how long the company has been in business and read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of their level of expertise and customer service. You can also check if the company has any awards or recognition from industry associations or organizations. For example, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards companies that meet certain standards of quality and customer service.
Checking Online Reviews
When checking online reviews, make sure to look for the following:
- Overall rating: Check the overall rating of the company on review sites such as Yelp or Google Reviews
- Number of reviews: Check the number of reviews to ensure that the company has a significant number of customers
- Review content: Read the content of the reviews to get an idea of the company’s strengths and weaknesses
A study by the Harvard Business Review found that 85% of customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Getting Multiple Quotes
When hiring a pest control expert, it’s essential to get multiple quotes from different companies to compare prices and services. Make sure to provide each company with the same information about your pest control needs, including the type of pest, the size of your property, and any specific concerns you may have. This will ensure that you get accurate and comparable quotes from each company. According to the National Pest Management Association, the average cost of pest control services can range from 100 to 500 per visit, depending on the type of pest and the size of the property.
Comparing Quotes
When comparing quotes, make sure to look for the following:
- Price: Compare the prices of each company to ensure that you’re getting the best deal
- Services included: Check what services are included in the quote, such as inspection, treatment, and follow-up visits
- Guarantees and warranties: Check if the company offers any guarantees or warranties on their services
A survey by the Pest Control Operators of America found that 70% of customers consider price as the most important factor when hiring a pest control company.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Techniques
Finally, when hiring a pest control expert, look for companies that use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques. IPM is a holistic approach to pest control that involves identifying the underlying causes of pest infestations and using a combination of techniques to prevent and control pest populations. This approach is not only more effective but also more environmentally friendly and safer for your family and pets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, IPM techniques can reduce the use of chemical pesticides by up to 50%.
Benefits of IPM
The benefits of IPM include:
- Reduced chemical use: IPM techniques reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which can harm the environment and human health
- Increased effectiveness: IPM techniques are often more effective than traditional pest control methods, as they address the underlying causes of pest infestations
- Long-term solutions: IPM techniques provide long-term solutions to pest control problems, rather than just temporary fixes
A study by the Journal of Economic Entomology found that IPM techniques can reduce the cost of pest control services by up to 30% in the long run.
What is the most common type of pest infestation in the United States?
+The most common type of pest infestation in the United States is rodents, including mice and rats. According to the National Pest Management Association, rodents are responsible for 21% of all pest control services in the United States.
How often should I schedule pest control services?
+The frequency of pest control services depends on the type of pest and the size of your property. Generally, it’s recommended to schedule pest control services at least once a year, but more frequent visits may be necessary for severe infestations or high-risk areas