How To Choose A Pest Control Company – A Homeowner’s Guide

It can be extremely distressing for a home owner to discover a pest infestation. In addition to the ick factor, there is the urgency of what to do and the question of who should do it. That old boy scout standby should be invoked here; namely be prepared. 

Researching pest-control and pest-management companies might not seem to be something at the top of a to-do list when there are no evident signs of an infestation, but doing one’s homework ahead of time can insure that the selection will be unhurried and thorough, which are important considerations.

Where Should A Homeowner Look For Information?

No offense intended to companies that place ads in the YellowPages and such, but there is no recommendation for anything that is more reliable than a personal one coming from someone trusted. Of course, this is not always possible, and in such cases, a home owner can always rely on information gleaned by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Its directory is comprised only of members who are qualified and properly licensed pest-management companies. They can also provide links to state and local associations.

The other place to look is the pest control company’s Google My Business profile, which provides a plethora of information about their services as well as reviews from past customers. There’s nothing more reliable than the public’s opinion!

Pestco Google My Business Profile

Cost Should Not Be The Primary Selection Criteria

When evaluating companies, home-owners should focus on the value offered and not necessarily the price. While this might seem to be a surprising statement on the surface, it is an important consideration when selecting a pest-control and pest-management company that will meet your particular household needs.

Focus on the quality of the products and services offered and compare them with other companies rather than which one may cost less. (A successful company competes with its own past record rather than that of competitors because this permits a focus on the value of the service rather than the price.)

Don’t rush into a decision. Consider talking with several companies before deciding on one. Even if your pest problem is urgent, take time to look for a reputable and knowledgeable company that meets your standards.

Guide To Resdiential Pest Control Company

9 Qualifications To Look For In A Pest Control Company

There is work involved in checking out reliable companies, and unfortunately, there are no short cuts unless you have been able to get a recommendation from a trusted friend or colleague. This comes with the stress of dealing with an ongoing infestation, which further supports the idea of doing this before you need to. That being said, here are some of the most important things you should look for when selecting a pest control and pest-management company such as our experts at Pestco Professional Services.

1) Ask Pest Control Companies For Their Licensing Credentials

A home owner must do his or her own research on this important issue. 

Unfortunately, taking someone’s word that they have a license isn’t enough, and it is best to do individual research and verify a company’s license by checking with state pesticide regulatory offices. Ask the company being interviewed for their license numbers and then check them against the organization that gave them their credentials. In the long run, the effort will pay off even if at the moment it seems a gesture that is a bit over the top.

Pest Control Company Credentials

Unlike the iconic promise of the Declaration of Independence, not all licenses and certificates are either self evident or created equal. Licensing requirements do vary from state to state, and some are stricter than others. Home owners must decipher whether the license in question was ascertain by simply paying a fee or if there was some educational requirement associated with the process. This and other questions can be answered by contacting the agency that issued the license.

2) Years Of Experience Is Important

For a pest-control and pest-management company that has been in continuous operation for more than seven decades (ahem, like us!) this determination is obvious. The number of years a company has been serving the public is the most accurate indicator of how much experience that company has. A home-owner should focus on a company that handles their particular kind of bug or nuisance animal problem.

Some important questions to ask can include: How are novice technicians trained? Do they use Integrated Pest Management techniques? Is there a certified entomologist on staff?

3) How Is Their Online Reputation?

Never rely on advertising to assess a pest-control and pest-management company’s reputation. The truth lies at the Better Business Bureau and the pesticide regulatory office where recent violations, complaints or unresolved issues would be available. A careful home-owner should aways ask for customer references, and if none are available, should wonder why. Speaking to previous customers, or studying online reviews, is the best way to ascertain how well a company dealt with their infestation and if there have been any recurrences.

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4) Don’t Be Pressured Into Signing a Contract

It’s always better to go with a written contract over a verbal agreement.

If a company is trying to rush you into signing a contract, it’s a sign that something is not right. Don’t do it, and before signing your name on anything, be sure that you understand the extent of the infestation and the work required to solve the problem. 

If a company requires you to sign up for a long-term contract, make sure you know the long-term costs of such an arrangement. Read the fine print carefully, make sure your contract covers the type of service you’re seeking and that you understand the full details of everything stipulated before you sign.

5) Does The Company Have Liability Insurance?

It is very important to inquire if a pest-control and pest-management company can provide liability insurance to cover any damages that may incur to your home or furnishings during treatment. 

While warranties with a damage clause are not commonly found, if there is one, as a homeowner you must be sure that you understand what the guarantee covers, how long it lasts and what kind of continuing prevention and management measures might be necessary. Particularly in the case of a termite infestation, this can be vitally important, as home-owners’ insurance does not usually cover termite treatment or repairs.

6) The Importance of Customer Service

This is an aspect of care that cannot be overstated and is sometimes overlooked How a pest-control and pest-management company treats a potential client is just as important as the tools they will use to combat an infestation. Take note of whether they listen to your concerns and address them with care and respect.

It is here where a company such as ours shines with a star far brighter than others. Our customer service is unparalleled and hard-earned from more than 70 years of hands-on experience in dealing with the trials and tribulations of any kind of pest infestation — (412) 252-5200.

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7) Be Sure To Get An Estimate In Writing

Many companies offer free estimates and home-owners should take advantage of this fact by getting a few of them and then comparing their company rates with their services. 

8) Trust Your Own Intuition

That little voice that whispers of something being too good to be true is probably right. If a home owner is feeling discomfort interviewing a company representative, this company is not the right choice. Technicians need to come to a residence regularly, and successful pest control will require communication and cooperation between you and the company.

9) They Should Be Open About Safety Issues

Is the company being interviewed willing to discuss what measures they will take to prevent unnecessary exposures and accidents? Are they offering sustainable solutions and do their technicians wear equipment when necessary? These questions are important considerations.

Why Choose Pestco Professional Services?

Since our formation in 1948, we have been a consistent industrial leader in pest-control and pest-management solutions throughout Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. Our growth over the last seven decades is largely due to the fact that we offer superior services, products and pest control strategies. 

Our knowledgeable and trained technicians attend company workshops to ensure they are always on top of and a few steps ahead of the pests they encounter. We guarantee results for any residential or commercial infestation and take the time to educate our clients as well as to what they can do to minimize the risk of returning pests. We welcome questions and offer helpful solutions.

Our professionals understand that no one product ever fits-all strategies, situations and solutions. We utilize only products that are environmentally friendly and promote a carbon footprint policy that will insure a green planet for future generations. It is the only pest control and pest management company within the United States that manufactures the products it uses. 

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Our integrated pest control and pest management services (IPM) have a practical, hands-on approach that entails an extensive and thorough examination of the affected residence or commercial facility and the sealing up of any cracks and crevices that might permit insect or rodent ingress.

In Conclusion 

So if your home is in West Mifflin, Sewickley, Coraopolis, Fox Chapel, Tarentum, Allison Park, Shaler, North Hills, South Hills, Bethel Park, Mount Lebanon, Clairton, Homestead, Monroeville, South Hills, North Versailles, White Oak, Cheswick, Bridgeville, Upper St. Clair, Elizabeth, Swissvale, McKees Rocks or Wexford, don’t wait for that day of bug Armageddon in your home or businesses. We meet every requirement mentioned above!  (412) 252-5200.

Final thought about pests: Bugs are not going to inherit the earth. They own it now… ~ T Eisner

 

Pittsburgh Pest Control Near Me

 


Complete Facility Care Services For Pittsburgh Businesses

In addition to residential pest control we are also masters of ongoing pest management strategies, restroom hygiene and air freshener services for commercial enterprises throughout all of Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and the West Virginia panhandle, all of which we offer under one bundled program of professional services known as Complete Facility Care.

Pestco Restroom Hygiene Clean Bathroom

Pittsburgh business owners and managers should learn more about and take advantage of this special offering of professional services. This three-pronged initiative offers the ultimate in pest-control and pest-management, washroom hygiene services provided by the specialists at Enviro-Master and environmental odor and air freshening solutions supplied by the ambient air-care masters at Air-Scent.

Reasonably priced, fully integrated and totally straightforward, these professional services are available via a one-stop-shop blanket of diversified options provided by a most distinguished and reliable company that is committed to 100% customer satisfaction and stands behind the quality of all of its products and services.


 


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