| How to Pick an Insect Exterminator |
| Written by Russ Frank |
| Friday, 11 December 2009 08:16 |
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Start the search for an exterminator by asking friends, family, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. While these personal recommendations are not perfect, they do provide a way to judge the ability of the company to provide good customer service. They also provide a way to judge the effectiveness of the pest control methods and techniques used by the company. If you can't find at least 3 recommendations, check with a referral service that includes recommendations, such as Angie's list.
Start the search for an exterminator by asking friends, family, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. While these personal recommendations are not perfect, they do provide a way to judge the ability of the company to provide good customer service. They also provide a way to judge the effectiveness of the pest control methods and techniques used by the company. If you can't find at least 3 recommendations, check with a referral service that includes recommendations, such as Angie's list. As a general rule, you shouldn't ask for a pest control estimate over the phone. Many questions about an exterminator can only be answered when you meet them in person. How is their appearance and manner? You're looking for a professional. Were they on time? If not, did they call ahead to notify you? How was the appearance of their vehicle? You're looking for clean, professional and well marked. Was their manner helpful and informative or did they use high pressure sales tactics? Be sure to ask the right questions. Like how long the company has been in business. More experience is preferred. Again, more is better. Are they licensed? Ask how much training their technicians have. Professional exterminators are licensed by the state and technicians are typically required to have a certain amount of training annually. Verify their claim by checking with the state. Any company that doesn't provide such proof isn't worth doing business with. Several other clues exist to help you find a professional exterminator. Insurance is one of these clues. Ask the company if they have insurance and if they can supply you with an insurance certificate. If they don't have insurance or can't furnish such a certificate, avoid them like the plague. Does the firm belong to any professional or pest control trade associations? These organizations offer benefits to their members like educational opportunities. It is also important to ask about the methods of pest control used by the exterminator. Chemicals alone are never a complete solution to an insect problem. The representative should also discuss ways to prevent an infestation from occurring. They should also talk about eliminating the pest's sources of food and water. Another important topic is how to prevent pests from entering the home in the first place. How will the company handle an insect infestation? Will they react quickly or will it take a few days to make an appointment? What is their policy on re-treatment? Is it free? Ask what the company will do to prevent a re-infestation. In response the exterminator should talk about the life cycle of the pest and different ways to "break" the life cycle to prevent future problems. Finally, ask about their pricing. How do they compare with other exterminators you've interviewed? The point of asking for several bids is to learn enough about each company to make a reasonable comparison. While price is certainly a factor, it's not the only factor. It may not even be the most important factor. Also compare the companies on the basis of how professional they are, how knowledgeable they are and what level of customer service you believe they can provide. Understanding these factors will allow you to make a reasonable decision. About the Author: Expert insect extermination in Tampa is offered by Florida Bug Inspectors. FBI has more than 20 years experience solving tough pest control problems in and around Tampa. Call the best - call Florida Bug Inspectors. |