Choosing a pest control firm can be a daunting task, however by following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that the pest co...
Case Studies
First of all, you want a pest control firm that has been in business for a while – pick your own standard. In addition, you should probably make sure that he / she belongs to a pest control association such as the British Pest Control Association, and if they belong to an organisation such as the NPTA, that's a plus.
If you make your pick from the Yellow Pages, be sure to check your choice with your local Department of Fair Trading. They can tell you if they have had any complaints on the one you propose to use. Listen to them as they know the best and the worst.
Make sure your pest control firm has a physical office in your geographical area. Many falsely advertise that they are local, and these are the ones to be wary of, as this is one of the first lies to you as a potential client.
A good way to check is to visit their premises when confirming the booking or ask for the local address over the phone. You might get a surprise if you check. It's also worth checking that it is a full-time pest control firm and not just someone working out of the back of their private car or van after his regular job.
Get several quotes after weeding out the ones that are short of information on the phone. Ask how long the business has been established. Disregard any that have only been around for a year or so as they have a good chance of going bust.
Ask questions about the different treatment options the company uses and the toxicity of the pesticides, and always make sure that the firm has professional indemnity and public liability insurance so that you are covered should anything go wrong.
It is always a good idea to get recommendations from your friends and relatives, as these are probably the most reliable sources of information you will be able to obtain.
Once you have decided on a pest control firm, ensure that you have an agreement set-up whereby you and your technician know exactly what the problem is and what services are required to remedy your pest problem. A true, ethical pest controller just gets the job done a efficient, economical way, using the least amount of chemicals.
It also helps to remember that pest control is an expertise, not an exact science, so each pest control firm will have its own way to do the job, and of course, a different price.