Ants in the kitchen or bedbugs in the woodwork? Cockroaches holding a running race in the larder when you’re not around? No wonder you’re worried; you’ve got a pest problem.
Pests like ants, cockroaches, moths, moles, bedbugs, bees, beetles and flies, to name a few, can make your life difficult. Not only do they destroy furniture and electrical appliances, they also pose a big hygiene problem. So, in a home infested with pets, it’s safe to say that nothing and no one is safe!
Due to the easy availability of several pest control sprays and solutions, many households take the DIY route to pest control. While this may seem like the less expensive option, in reality, getting rid of pests requires the use of special methods. Certain pests require particular kinds of medications. Besides this, regular application of substances is also a must. That is why it is best to choose the services of an exterminator.
Typically, pest control services for the general households take care of a broad spectrum of pests like cockroaches, fleas, flies, ticks, bedbugs, termites, ants, gnats and other pests. Since these pests have frequent access to your house, the premises must be treated several times in a year. Since this requires professional expertise, many people are choosing to opt for professional extermination services.
However, choosing the right pest control services is something of a challenge. If estimates are to be believed, there are more than 20,000 pest management companies in the US alone. So, how do you choose the right service?
The following guidelines should help
Choose a service that has wide experience in the field of pest control and working with pests. This is important. Typically, pest control companies make use of certain chemicals to destroy pests. These chemicals must not cause irritation or other problems to humans and pets. In the same way, different pests respond to different kinds of chemicals and treatment methods. The frequency of application also varies along with the type of pests. For instance, pests like bedbugs have a reproduction cycle that needs to be broken if they are to be eradicated.
Before signing a contract with a company, make sure that they are licensed. Also check out whether the pest control service has insurance coverage with clauses that cover any unexpected damage in the premises.
If you require specialized services like termite or rodent control, you require the services of a company that has the right kind of equipment and years of experience in the field. The service provider will have to come and check out the premises and prepare a strategy for the removal of pests. To identify such a service, ask for references and for testimonials.
Lastly, keep in mind that the measure of any company is the quality of their service professionals. The in-person contact with the company is an important indicator of their experience. Assess personnel when the company people visit your place. See whether they are checking all areas minutely including the attic, crawl space and the areas around your home. This shows that they are thorough and knowledgeable. Professional service providers will also carry sophisticated equipment and use protective clothing when they visit your premises.