It’s no secret that life in Miami comes with many great benefits. One of the few major downsides: dealing with pests.
Due to its humid tropical air, Miami is chock-full of pests, insects, and rodents. They range from the common fleas and cockroaches to the unique Palmetto bugs. Many of them carry diseases and can damage your home and property.
Most homeowners don’t think about pests until they see some signs of them. Though this can be a stressful time, don’t hire the first pest control service provider you find. With some research, you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Where do you start? By asking the right questions, of course! Here are 9 key questions you should ask any pest control company before hiring them.
1. Are Your Technicians Licensed?
These days, anyone can start a business. Before letting a technician into your home, ask for their license and insurance. Almost all states require technicians to take part in annual pest control training to keep their license current.
This is important because it ensures that the technician is properly trained. If a company is legitimate, they should have this information readily available. If they can’t provide a license number, there are plenty of businesses that can.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Much like in any other industry, a long track record is a solid indicator of success. An established company can offer experience and knowledge. The best way to test their technicians is to ask them in-depth questions about your situation.
New businesses may provide decent service, but often have little to offer in the customer care department. Plus, a new company is more likely to go out of business. Companies that have been around for a while can stand behind their work.
3. Do You Offer Written Quotes?
Any established company should be able to provide an estimate for its service. In some cases, they may even offer an exact quote based on their inspection. If they have enough experience, the initial quote should be close to the final total.
Even if the company doesn’t offer written quotes, you should still ask for an estimate. If they respond by promising to “keep it fair,” look elsewhere. Proven companies handle this in a precise manner — vague promises aren’t good enough.
4. Do You Have Reviews I Can Check Out?
Online reviews can be a great help with establishing a company’s reputation. Start by checking out the company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau. Most top pest control companies will also have at least a few testimonials on their site.
Companies that don’t offer references and reviews are usually best avoided. This can mean that they aren’t established or that they have reviews they don’t want to share. Either way, they’re unlikely to be a good fit for your needs.
5. How Do You Decide Which Treatments to Use?
With so many types of pests out there, no reliable pest control company can afford to “wing it.” Before you invite them into your home, ask them how they plan to attack the infestation. Find out which baits, traps, or sprays they’re going to use.
Developing this plan requires them to have a detailed discussion about the issue with you. If you don’t think they have a good understanding of the problem, go with another company. If they do provide the necessary information, verify it.
6. Are Your Treatments Safe?
This can serve as a follow-up to the previous question. Oftentimes, the technicians will have to use chemicals to get rid of the pests. If that’s the case, they must reveal potential hazards to your family and the environment.
Certain pest removal methods may require you to leave your home during the treatment. This doesn’t mean that the treatments aren’t safe. That said, if they plan on using methods that make you uncomfortable, it’s best to continue your search.
7. Do You Offer Seasonal Services?
Keeping your home pest-free may end up being a seasonal operation. Sometimes, you may need a monthly service to eliminate the infestation. You may also start with a more frequent service followed up by periodic maintenance.
For any of these options, you’ll need to sign a contract with your pest control company. Have them explain the pest control fees involved with each option. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure that you’ve read the fine print as well.
8. Will the Pests Come Back?
When it comes to pest control, future infestations are always a valid concern. Getting rid of the pests you can see right now isn’t good enough. For best results, you want to see preventive measures that will keep the pests from coming back.
Unfortunately, many pest control companies completely disregard this part of the job. Sometimes, they do it so that they could charge you for other treatments down the line. Either way, this is a huge red flag.
9. What If I’m Not Happy With the Results?
No pest control method is perfect, so there’s a chance that your problem will persist. In this case, you’ll want to know that your service provider has your security in mind. Most of the time, this security will show up in the form of a guarantee.
Ideally, your provider of choice will offer a complete customer satisfaction guarantee. This includes getting your money back if you experience future infestations. Make sure you know what your responsibilities are in invoking this guarantee.
More on Hiring a Pest Control Service
As you can see, hiring a pest control service provider isn’t a walk in the park. Still, asking these 9 questions should let you know what you’re getting into.
More than anything else, you shouldn’t feel pressured into signing a contract. Some companies rely on pressuring sales tactics to get you to pay for services you don’t want. If you sense that a company uses these ploys, take your business elsewhere.
Looking for a reliable and affordable pest control company in Miami? We can help you out! Contact us right here — we’ll get back to you soon!
