Are you tired of seeing creepy critters crawling around your home or business? Are you thinking about investing in pest control?

If you are, don’t just Google “pest control specialist near me” and hope for the best. You need to do your research to ensure you’re hiring the best company possible. 

Listed below are seven questions you must ask a pest control specialist before making a final decision.

1. How Much Experience Do You and Your Technicians Have?

The pest control industry is a $17.4 billion industry. There are tons of businesses throughout the country that claim that can get rid of your pest problems. When you’re choosing between different companies, though, remember that experience matters. 

Look for a pest control company that has been in business for a while. If they’re brand new and don’t have knowledge of the specific pests that plague your area, they might not understand what it takes to get rid of the problem and prevent it from coming back.

There’s nothing wrong with asking about how long a company has been around or what kind of training their team has. If a specialist is hesitant to answer these questions, that can be a big red flag.

2. Are You and Your Team Licensed and Insured?

In addition to experience, it’s also important to ask about licensing and insurance.

Every state has different rules and regulations that a pest control company must meet before it can operate legally. For example, in Missouri, applicants need to pass an exam and submit special documentation before they can obtain a license. 

Always make sure your pest control specialist is properly licensed before you decide to work with them. Ask for a copy of their license and check with your state’s regulatory board to ensure it’s up-to-date.

The company should be insured as well. Without adequate insurance, you may end up being liable (and stuck with the bill) if something goes wrong while they’re working.

3. Can You Share Testimonials or Reviews?

It doesn’t matter what kind of pest control business you’re thinking about working with. If they can’t provide you with testimonials or customer reviews, that’s a bad sign. 

Good businesses will have plenty of positive reviews to share, and they’ll be excited to share them with you.

Always ask for reviews or testimonials before agreeing to hire a pest control specialist. Seeing what other customers have to say will help you to decide if a specialist is a good fit for you. 

It’s especially helpful if the pest control company can point you toward reviews on third-party sites like Yelp. This will give you a more well-rounded idea of what they have to offer and the quality of their work.

4. What Kind of Chemicals Do You Use?

Pest control specialists use all kinds of chemicals to eliminate infestations. Not all of these chemicals are safe, though, especially if you have children or pets running around your home.

To avoid potential health problems, look for a pest control company that only uses products that have been approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). These products have been rigorously tested to ensure they don’t have any adverse effects.

If you’re extra concerned and only want natural products used in your home or business, try to find a company that also offers Eco-Natural pest control services.

These services use products are made with plant extracts like thyme and rosemary, as well as minerals like borax. They are safe for humans but will still do a good job of eliminating pests. 

5. Can You Locate the Source of the Issue?

A competent, experienced pest control specialist will not just spray around your home or business to get rid of visible pests. They’ll also find the source of the infestation to stop the pests from coming back in the future.

When you’re interviewing different specialists, be sure to ask them what their process is for identifying the source of the issue. If they can’t explain it to you, or if they don’t seem to have any kind of process at all, this might not be the right company for you to hire.

6. Do You Offer Free Inspections and Quotes?

In general, good animal and pest control specialists will offer free inspections and no-obligation quotes.

They should be willing to come to you, take a look around, and give you an idea of what it will cost to address the pest infestation. They shouldn’t be pushy, overly salesy, or use scare tactics, though.

Steer clear of companies that charge you for an inspection and quote. This is especially true if they don’t disclose this information until they’ve already shown up for the inspection.

Remember, if a specialist is confident in their skills and services, they won’t try to trick you into paying them before they have even done any work on your home or business.

7. Do You Offer Multiple Package Options?

Finally, don’t forget to ask about different pest control packages. A variety of packages makes it easier for companies to accommodate multiple budgets and help more people keep their homes and businesses safe, clean, and pest-free. 

Look for a pest control specialist who has a multi-tiered program. They should be transparent about the cost of each tier and the services it includes, too.

The more details a company can offer, the easier it is to compare and contrast and ensure you’re choosing the right one for your needs.  

Work with a Pest Control Specialist Today

Now that you know what to ask, it’s time to start doing your homework so you can find the best pest control specialist in your area. Keep these questions in mind so you can interview candidates with ease and narrow down your options.

Do you want to work with a St. Louis pest control company that can check all of these boxes? If so, we’re here to help at Amco Ranger Termite and Pest Solutions.

Contact us today to learn more about our services or to set up a free, no-obligation inspection.