Choosing a bed bug pest control company is the most important decision you will be making in your fight against bed bugs. The company should use the right techniques, and, at the same time, should also use safety measures and environmental-friendly products for the job. Naturally; most people dealing with a bedbug infestation want to get rid of it as soon as possible. However, one must be pragmatic: having bed bugs is not the nicest thing to happen to you but, at the same time, the sky is not falling down. It is important to take the time and really research the company well even if it means living with the bugs for few more days.
Steps to take before you choose a bed bug pest control company
Take the same steps you would for hiring a bed bug pest control company as you would in hiring an automobile mechanic or a doctor.
- Ask for word of mouth referrals. Talk to friends, family members and colleagues if they have used any bed bug pest control company before.
- Do not select the first one you come across. At least try to get 3-4 quotations.
- Interview them over the phone, or, if possible, in person.
- Do not judge a company based on their advertising tactics. The best way to get an idea about their expertise is to seek solid references.
It is also vital to educate yourself about different bed bug extermination techniques available today. This site has plenty of such resources which will help you ask the right questions to your bed bug pest control professionals and also help you make an informed decision.
Questions to ask your bed bug pest control company before you sign the contract
- How many years have you been in service?
- Can you provide us with some references?
- Is your company licensed and registered under the State’s Laws?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Is the professional who applies the insecticides certified in the application process?
- Can your technician provide us with a copy of his credentials?
- What are the terms of service agreement?
- Can you provide a list of all pesticides you will be using?
- How long will the application process take? When can I start seeing results? How will you monitor my bed bug situation?
- My wife is pregnant. Is it safe for her to be in the house during and after the treatment?
- Will you be inspecting my premises prior to application? Is this consultation separately paid for or all inclusive?
- What detection techniques do you use?
- Do you use the same control techniques in all you client homes? What are the criteria for choosing the various control techniques? How do you vary these techniques?
- Are you up-to-date with the regulations, techniques and advances in the bed bug control measures available today? How do you keep yourself updated?
- Can you show me evidence of the bed bugs?
- What do I need to do to prepare my property for your treatment?
- Will I be signing a consent form before you start the treatment?
Some basics about pest control that every homeowner needs to be aware of
- You should know your state’s laws regarding pest control regulations. Some states make it mandatory that the pest control company is licensed and has registered and certified technicians.
- The company must willingly provide you with pesticide product labels and materials safety data. If they hesitate when you ask this; steer clear of the company.
- The pest control company must have a proper office and you must record their name, address and telephone number. They must provide you with the full name of applicator who would be performing the service.
- The company must provide you with following written agreement- the extent of your bed bug problem, list of pesticides applied, the date and time of application, any other related and important information about potential hazards of the chemicals used especially to people, pets, pregnant women etc.
Stay away from bed bug pest control companies that
- Hesitate in giving out their name, address, contact details
- Pressurize you into signing the contract
- Show up on the day of treatment in an unmarked vehicle
- Are unable to answer your questions asked above.
Do note that the presence of a single bed bug does not mean that your entire house may need treatment. That being said; female bed bugs are capable of laying hundreds of eggs. So, if you have found a single bed bug in your property, chances are that this problem may grow. It is a good idea to call a bed bug pest control company to seek professional advice in the matter. However, you must also know that chemicals are not the only solution to tackle these critters and your chosen company must consider all alternatives before spraying pesticides.
