5 Must-Haves When Hiring a Pest Control Service This Season
5 things to consider when hiring a New Hampshire pest control service
We’ve been in the business of pest removal for 30+ years, so we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes pest services companies great, not so great, and downright terrible. At 603 Pest, we promise integrity, satisfaction or your money back, and professional service is a given.
The spring season is upon us, and with it comes the bugs like ticks, spiders, carpenter ants, springtails, mosquitoes, termites, ants, bees and wasps. Homeowners and business owners alike will be looking for New Hampshire pest control companies to help them protect their homes and business reputations. But where on Earth do you start when hiring the right company? Here are 5 things you should look for and expect from a pest control company you can trust.
An informative, professional website and online presence
A good pest control service with an informative website will make you feel at ease – and there’s a reason for it. Extensive knowledge about pest removal should be conveyed on the website, and there should be a comprehensive guide to the pests the company deals with. What diseases do ticks carry? How do you know when you have a mouse problem? We want you to feel comfortable and know what to expect when you work with 603 Pest; and of course, if you have questions, we’re only a click or call away.
An in-person meeting with the pest company for an inspection
Once you find a reputable New Hampshire pest control company, you should then make the call with the goal of setting up an inspection. A lot of companies will sell you over the phone, which can lead to pest misidentification, pricing confusion, and sheer frustration. At larger pest control companies, you may be relying on a salesperson in a call center to relay info to a local branch then to a tech. It’s ok to ask for a quote or price but be sure to set up an inspection before agreeing to treatments. 603 Pest always starts with a FREE inspection to confirm the presence of pests, to correctly identify what we’re dealing with (it isn’t always obvious!), and to learn about you, and your home or business, to customize the treatment and approach. With 603 Pest, you’ll work with knowledgeable professionals every step of the way.
Certifications and licenses
So, you were impressed on the phone and booked an inspection and now the inspector is at your door. How do you tell the difference between an awesome, well-trained tech and a glorified salesperson? First, ask to see a New Hampshire Pesticide Applicators License. He or she should have at least an F1 level, which will show that your pest pro has some knowledge of New Hampshire laws and regulations. Be wary of unlicensed pest control techs. They may still be qualified, but you are right to wonder why the pest tech didn’t deem it important to get these important certifications. And if you are one of the lucky ones and the tech discovers the pest breeding area during the inspection, treatment can begin immediately, saving you time and money… and reducing your case of the willies.
Clear-cut pricing
If you ignored everything else in this blog please do not ignore this – talk about price in detail with your tech! If the inspector tries to bundle other services that you did not request, it is a red flag. For example, bundling termites and carpenter ants together (when you only have termites) adds unnecessary cost. Some companies have salespeople trained and encouraged to upsell. Some companies will also offer to finance your services for one low monthly price. This is fine, but make sure you check the annual percentage rate and ask about how price increases are handled by the company (i.e. are you notified by letter prior to the increase?). And always ask about specials and promotions, like the ones you can find here.
Get it in writing!
Your technician should let you know a few things verbally and in writing. These things include what was found, materials used, how to prevent future infestations, and what to expect on the next treatment.
After every service, you should receive a written report stating:
- materials used
- treatment methods
- equipment used
You should feel completely satisfied and comfortable with your technician. If you feel there is something you need to know about the service or something your technician may have overlooked you should feel comfortable enough to ask your tech before or even after you sign the service report. At 603 Pest, we end each service with the question “Are you satisfied with the service that I provided for you today?” The feedback that we have received from asking this question has helped us understand and deliver the services and treatments you deserve and expect.
Looking for a Southern New Hampshire pest control service? Check out our service areas!