It is important to do a little research before choosing the best VA pest control provider to take care of your infestation. Just like you don’t want an incompetent doctor fixing your broken arm, you don’t want a company with a bad reputation to tackle your pest problem. At best their efforts wouldn’t eradicate the bugs or rodents; at worst they would magnify the problem. Here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing a pest control provider so that you don’t end up with a dissatisfying experience.
Assess the Pest Control Provider’s Legitimacy and Reputation
The first thing you want to do when researching which pest control provider to hire is look at credentials. Just like most service-oriented businesses, pest control companies are required in most states and some cities to have a license. Look on the company’s website or call to make an inquiry to see if they have a license. Another option is to call your state pesticide agency for information on licensed providers.
The company’s reputation is the next thing to investigate. There are all sorts of local, state, and national pest control associations. Do a little internet research to see which pest control companies near you belong to one of these professional associations. Once you’ve narrowed down a list of local companies that are certified and belong to a professional association, check consumer review websites like www.yelp.com for former customers’ experiences. Also ask your friends and neighbors if they’ve had good experiences with any local pest control providers.
Determine the Type and Quality of Services Offered by the Pest Control Provider
Once you have narrowed down your list of possible pest control providers to two or three companies, ask each one to come out to inspect your property and suggest a treatment plan. This is a good way to compare pest control techniques, especially what types of chemicals they use. Always try to go with the least toxic chemicals possible. Ask the provider about natural methods for getting rid of your pest problem.
Comparing each of the company’s plans also allows you to compare expertise. One company may have more experience with your type of infestation than the other companies. This is a particularly important consideration when dealing with tricky pests like bed bugs.
Compare the Cost with that of Other Pest Control Providers
Cost is always an issue when choosing a service provider of any sort. The important thing to remember when comparing estimates is that the lowest price isn’t always the best deal. It is better to pay a little bit more for a superior extermination plan than to wind up with a cheaper and less effective pest control provider.