If you’re in the group that wants a professional taking care of the rodents, spiders, termites or whatever on your behalf, knowing what to look for in a pest control service is key.
Specialized plans
The best pest control services will be willing to set up a plan that is specific to your needs, taking into consideration the size of your home, the level of infestation and prevention going forward. Most companies will also have options for pre-treatments on new construction, perimeter treatments to keep bugs at bay, and emergency services to treat hives and nests. Some exterminators might also offer to continue to monitor your home, and make a return visit to show you the exact treatment areas and all improvement.
Cost comparisons
Given the nature of the work, pest control doesn’t always come cheap - regularly paying out for assistance can quickly add up and easily amount to several hundred dollars a year or more. However, always remember that it is likely to cost thousands of dollars in home repairs if termites or carpenter ant colonies go unnoticed. The money you spend on pest control services is likely to small in comparison, and you are paying for expertise that most people simply don’t have. However, whatever your reason for calling a pest control service, always try to find the time to compare the price of pest control companies if you can, with someone like BuyerZone (opens in new tab). These comparison sites will also usually highlight the pest control services that are closest to you.
Hazard awareness
Pest control technicians have been trained to know how the products that they use work and where they are safe to be used inside and outside of a home. Essentially, what we are saying is that when pest control experts see the need to use a hazardous product, they have the knowledge to make sure it is used in such a way to ensure the safety of your family. Of course, there are bug fighting powders and chemical sprays widely available to consumers in hardware stores. Presumably, you will always follow the instructions when you buy these if you’re looking to take care of minor incidences yourself; pest control companies will have access to solutions that are far stronger and much more dangerous by comparison, but be comforted by the fact that as professionals, they know exactly what they are doing.
Time and flexibility
Most people will have better things to do than wait around for the “bug guy” to arrive and the best pest control companies know this and will usually work around your schedule. If you request a free inspection and a price quote for service, you’ll find that almost all exterminators work past sunset and on weekends. Also remember, however, that controlling pest infestations can take time, and for solutions to be effective, repeat treatments are often required. If you are looking to solve the problem on your own, it is easy to forget when the next treatment might be required. Enlist the services of a pest control company, however, and they will have a record of each time they’ve sprayed and know when the next treatment is due. And if a new onslaught of bugs arrives shortly after a company thinks a problem has been resolved, many companies will come back and retreat for free.
A risky business
If you’re thinking of taking matters into your own hands, it’s always best to spend a little time considering the potential risks involved too. Approach a situation in the wrong way, or use an elimination method not best-suited to the job, and there’s a real danger that you could make the situation worse, or be hurt. Threatened bees have a tendency to swarm and mice can scatter, carrying diseases to new areas if their nest is disturbed. Using a professional pest control service means you’re employing someone who knows how to deal with such challenges in the right way, and will be better prepared than you should anything go wrong.
