Startled by a mouse in the pantry? Wondering where those droppings or wood shavings are coming from or what is responsible for the midnight sounds of scratching and rustling? Discovering a rodent infestation or the surprise of bats in the attic is an unexpected and unwelcome event. Consequently, finding a pest control company near you helps ensure peace of mind in both pest prevention and the availability of exterminator company services, if needed. To help, the following explores tips on how to find a pest control company that you can trust and signs that you may need to contact this exterminator specialist today!
10 Tips for Finding a Quality Pest Control Company Near You
In looking for a pest control company, multiple options will arise in this search process from national extermination service providers to local family-owned and operated businesses. To further tailor this exploration to the needs of your household and service preferences, it may also be helpful to assemble a list of personalized questions to use in your search, if time and circumstances allow. The following tips may also help you find the right pest control company for you.
Reflect on your first impression and initial communication experiences.
Your first interaction with a company provides insight into what you can expect in terms of your communication and collaboration moving forward, as well as a company’s approach to customer service. Were there multiple contact options, such as phone and email details and/or a provided online contact form? If you contacted a pest control specialist via phone, was someone available to take your call? If you had to leave a message or chose to use email or an available form as a first point of contact, did you receive a response or follow-up in a timely manner? During this communication were any questions or requests addressed professionally and in a clear and informative manner? If you are looking for a pest control company to be your go-to in annual maintenance and emergencies, you’ll want to feel comfortable working with that team and trust that you count on them.
Ask about the pest control company’s longevity in the industry.
Pest control and exterminator companies that have been in business for years often have a substantial amount of expertise when it comes to a variety of pest and wildlife concerns. They may also be more knowledgeable about evolutions in best practices in pest control as well as relevant regulations related to these services. Searching for “pest control companies near me” may also be a better way to find a pest control company with a nuanced understanding of the specific pest considerations in your area.
Explore the exterminator company’s credentials and distinctions.
Many states require pest control and exterminator companies to have licenses and insurance coverage in order to operate. Why? Having these credentials indicates a company’s understanding of industry expectations and its commitment to existing regulations, such as those related to bat removal. This information may be provided on a company website or by customer request. Additionally, a company may have other distinctions, including Better Business Bureau ratings or other acknowledgments from specialty home services resources.
Inquire about service timing, processes and estimates.
What are the available times/days during which services may be provided? Does the pest control company provide immediate emergency services? In general, are contracts required for services or are there a variety of service options? Awareness about practices and protocols assists with budgeting as well as expectations regarding available support. Additionally, be sure to look into available service estimates and any discounts or special offers. For example, Eliminate ‘Em has rotating special offers for new services, including preventative care and immediate elimination services. Importantly, preliminary website review or initial conversations with service representatives may provide a general overview of this information, such as the availability of free estimates. However, greater specifics around the service process including scheduling, timeline and costs may depend on the needs of your property or pest problem.
Assess the scope of available pest control services.
Homeowners may experience many different types of pest and wildlife intruders on their property throughout the years. Accordingly, finding a pest control company that provides comprehensive protection or removal services is ideal. Then, whether you want a mosquito treatment plan to protect yourself and your loved ones or need a rodent extermination specialist to deal with the infestation in your garage, you can contact that same trusted pest control provider for help. Even if you haven’t had problems with a specific intruder on your property, perusing all of the available services illuminates the scope of pest expertise that a company offers.
Investigate the pest prevention options available from the exterminator company.
More comprehensive pest control companies often offer prevention and maintenance services in addition to removal solutions. After all, proactive care helps deter pests before they damage homes and yards and endanger people and pets on the property. These services may be available by client request or recommended by the exterminator team based on a property inspection or as a follow-up to a recent control treatment. Here are some services that help prevent multiple types of insects and animals from entering your home:
- Exclusion services: During this service, pest control providers assess and seal off potential entry points for pests into your home. Understandably, minimizing pest and wildlife access is one of the best ways to reduce the chances that these uninvited intruders can turn your home into their own. Eliminate ‘Em, for example, takes a three-pronged approach to this service in order to provide coverage from ground level through to the attic and roof portions of your home. From sealing up cracks near windows and other crevices to installing pest guards to serve as barriers, this service is essential in limiting any pest pathways into your home.
- Insulation work: Insulation assessment and repair is another facet of preventative maintenance. If an infestation has already been present, damaged insulation may need to be removed and replaced. Eliminate ‘Em offers TAP® insulation or Thermal Acoustical Pest Control Insulation, which can protect against pests as well as mold and mildew and help ensure the comfort of your home throughout the seasons.
- Clean outs: In addition to insulation and entry point assessments, attic cleanouts and basement cleanouts also focus on decontaminating and sanitizing spaces to eliminate health hazards, like harmful diseases that can be spread by rodent waste. In addition to reducing the chances of a return pest problem, they also aid in making these locations less attractive and available to intruders.
Learn about any guarantees or warranties.
From addressing existing termite infestations to avoiding the potential need to get rid of mice yourself, understanding the specifics of any available guarantees or warranties ensure that your service investment and your property are protected. For example, services may have required steps that are the responsibility of property owners or customers, as with bed bug treatment preparation, that may correspond to warranties or other fees. Additionally, in the event that a service doesn’t fully address the current issue, you’ll want to know what the follow-up treatment protocol is and any related pricing.
Address household-specific concerns in relation to pest control treatments.
To find a pest control company that works for your home, you’ll want to make sure that the exterminator near you can navigate not only your schedule but also your kids, pets and/or environmental considerations. Here is where that prepared list of questions may come in handy, as it will help ensure that you have the necessary clarity regarding how well a pest control company can accommodate your needs. Not sure what to ask? Check out some common questions below:
- Regarding my specific service, are the intended pesticides or treatment methods safe for children including infants, pets or those with other health considerations such as pregnancy or chronic respiratory concerns? As emphasized by the National Pesticide Information Center, some pest control products can be hazardous to the health of your pets. Depending on the pest problem, there may be different courses of action to take regarding pet safety, not to mention children or others in the home.
- Are there steps to prepare my home for treatment or plans that need to be made for the time of treatment? For example, does everyone need to be out of the home for the duration of treatment or stay away from treatment areas for a set amount of time?
- Do you offer any eco-friendly pest control solutions? From concerns about the environmental impact of potential toxins to the safety of members in your household, the availability of these solutions may determine your selection of one pest control company near you versus another one.
Check out the pest control company’s available resources.
Pest control companies don’t have to have extensive websites or social media followings to be effective at what they do. However, these resources can be helpful when trying to assess your potential prevention or service needs. For example, you might see a special offer or reminder pop up on a website or elsewhere that you’ve been thinking about for your home, like a tick treatment. Additionally, if you suspect an insect infestation or animal intruder, shared information about signs associated with these invaders may further assure you that now is the time to call that pest control specialist near you!
Consider the exterminator company’s location.
In your effort to find a pest control company, consider the benefits of a local provider. Companies and professionals who serve your specific state or specialize in your region of the country, like Eliminate ‘Em in the Northeast, may especially understand the pests that frequent your location and associated changes in their presence or behaviors. Local extermination companies may also be more acutely aware of relevant infestation factors or control regulations specific to location.
Signs that You Need to Find a Pest Control Company Now!
Ideally, you’ll find a professional pest control company now to help you prevent future infestations instead of having to search for one once a wildlife or bug problem has already emerged. Understandably, preventative care sometimes moves to the bottom of the to-do list, especially due to busy schedules or other more pressing home improvement needs. Especially if you haven’t confirmed your selection of a pest control provider near you just yet, it’s even more important to stay vigilant about potential signs of a pest problem. Below, learn more about 5 common critters and signs that point to potential infestations in your home or on your property:
- Mice: Mice and other rodents, like rats and squirrels, can pose serious health risks to you and your loved ones and do significant damage to your property. An important step in rodent control, as with any other pest or wildlife monitoring, is to keep an eye out for signs of their presence, especially inside. Signs of a rodent problem include evidence of gnawing on fabric, paper products, wood and even furniture in addition to the smell or presence of waste and sounds of squeaking or shuffling. Why is it important to act now? Rodents can chew through wiring, insulation and even water pipes which may cause problematic leaks and even fire in homes and cars. Additionally, contamination from their waste and saliva is linked to a variety of dangerous diseases. They can also bring in fleas and ticks, further increasing the potential health risks.
- Termites: Mud tubes and tunnels in the yard or inside, as well as sagging, cracked or hollow-sounding wood, may point to the presence of termites. Unfortunately, discovering a termite issue early is challenging because termite damage is often hidden. Additionally, some signs of termites may be mistaken for general wear and tear. Consequently, ongoing termite prevention is a beneficial course of action.
- Bed Bugs: As with termites, proactive care best supports reducing the potential for bringing bed bugs into the home. Once they’ve arrived, their elimination requires substantial, thorough and sometimes repeated extermination solutions. As part of your ongoing vigilance during travel and at home, be on the lookout for signs of bed bugs including red bite marks, blood spots on the sheets, shed bug skin and live bugs.
- Cockroaches: Some signs of common pests are shared between different types of pests and wildlife, like the unusual odor that may accompany cockroach presence as well as bed bug infestations. Similarly, as rodents, ticks and mosquitoes have a reputation for transmitting multiple diseases, cockroaches can also be harmful for your health. In fact, a new allergic reaction may be a sign of a cockroach problem, as shared by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Droppings, as well as live or dead cockroaches, may also indicate a cockroach presence. Unfortunately, the sight of one cockroach may mean that there are hundreds or even thousands more lurking within the walls of your home.
- Flies: Although they are not known for the structural damage for which their fellow pests, like rodents and termites, are known, flies are certainly an annoying pest and another disease carrier. A single fly being in your face while you are trying to cook or simply relaxing in your home may not seem like an urgent or grave concern. However, as explained by the Illinois Department of Public Health, flies spread bacteria that lead to issues like food poisoning and even transmit diseases through bites and contamination through fecal matter. While you may already have a favorite swatter to help you out, consulting with the pest control company near you about additional preventative measures and services can also help you reduce the presence of and exposure to flies.
Finding a pest control company may take a little time and research. However, having an expert exterminator company on hand when it’s time for annual inspections and prevention services or emergency infestation solutions may be essential for your peace of mind. The licensed pest control providers at Eliminate ‘Em are available to help communities throughout the Northeast – the area in which we have been specializing for over 35 years. As a family-owned company, we understand how important it is to find a trusted expert to provide effective and efficient pest control services, especially when the health and safety of loved ones may be otherwise at risk. Contact us for immediate service and don’t forget to check out our current special offers!
