It’s safe to say that most of us think of Florida’s warm summer months as the worst time for pests, especially with annoying insects like mosquitoes rearing their ugly heads. However, did you know that you may be more likely to suffer a pest infestation during the cooler months? Because common winter pests need to escape the chill, they’re more likely to find the warmest place around—which is sometimes your home!
In other words, if you’re on a desperate hunt for the best local pest control services, you’re far from alone this time of year.
Of course, frantically googling “pest control near me” isn’t enough to ensure that you’re getting the right help. If you’re hoping to kick your uninvited guests out of your home—and keep them out—here’s what to ask to hire the right exterminator.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
If you expect the best pest service, you’ll only get it by partnering with a company that has local pest control experience. Opting to work with a company that has just launched isn’t always a bad thing, but it’s always a safer bet to partner with a brand that has at least a few years under its belt.
Working with a more knowledgeable exterminator not only helps ensure that the job will be done right the first time, but also that the business will be around to guarantee their work in the future.
2. Can I Check Out Your Testimonials, Reviews, or References?
Any pest control companies you consider should be able to offer referrals or testimonials. If they can’t, it’s a major red flag!
Knowing how current and past customers view the company’s service is crucial, especially because you’re looking for an exterminator that will help you take good care of your home. Look for a company that can point to their high rating with the Better Business Bureau or stellar testimonials. Prodigy Pest Solutions, for example, is a Google 5-Star Business, with plenty of customer reviews to showcase our quality.
3. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
Every professional exterminator in the U.S. should have a license, but it’s always worth double-checking. Look for your Sarasota or Bradenton pest control service to have a Florida state license, and don’t forget to check for bonding and insurance to protect your home in the case of an accident.
4. What Pests Can You Kill?
Not all pest control companies are equipped to tackle all pests in our area. If you’re looking for a local pest control service, make sure you know which pests each company is prepared to go up against. Make sure you’re partnering with a company that tackles common Florida threats like spiders, ants, rodents, mosquitos, and more!
5. Do You Guarantee Your Work?
Extermination is a tough job, and pests can sometimes reappear after a pest control service leaves. This is why reputable exterminators will offer guaranteed pest control services, meaning that you can trust them to ensure your home is pest-free.
Of course, keep in mind that guarantees will differ from company to company, so make sure you know what you’re getting. Here at Pest Prodigy, for example, we guarantee that if you see bugs return, we’ll return at no cost to re-treat your home.
6. What’s Your Approach to Treatment?
How does your chosen exterminator plan to rid your home of pests?
We recommend that you work with the exterminator to understand the ins and outs of your home’s infestation. A good exterminator will help educate you on everything to know, from the lifespan of the pests to the chances that they’ll come back.
From there, get a feel for their approach to the treatment:
- How would you rate the severity of the infestation?
- What kinds of pesticides or treatments will they use, and where?
- What other measures can they take?
- Do you see any signs of damage?
- Will you have to leave the house?
- Will the treatment keep the pests away for good?
If you have pets, now is also the time to ask whether the company you’re considering is a pet-safe pest control service. You can also ask if they have safe pest control treatments that include less hazardous chemicals for your household. However, note that any pesticide—even natural ones—will present certain risks, so do your research and feel free to ask plenty of questions.
7. Can I Get an Estimate, and Will You Stand By It?
Many reputable pest control companies—including Prodigy Pest Control—will offer free estimates, allowing you to do a quick comparison to see whether you’re getting a fair price.
However, this initial estimate may not be the final price, especially if it seems unreasonably low. Check the fine print: some companies tack on costly charges at the last minute to get more cash once they’ve won your business!
8. Do You Offer a Recurring Plan?
The unfortunate truth is that no pest control treatment will keep pests at bay forever. Over time, even the best treatments will fade, leaving your home vulnerable.
If you’re hoping to make regular preventative pest control a habit, ask whether or not the company you’re considering has treatment plans. This allows you to get service on a regular basis to keep Florida’s toughest pests, from termites to spiders, at bay for longer.
Hire the Right Local Pest Control
If you need someone to help you remove uninvited guests from your home, we’re here to help. We pride ourselves on providing quality services throughout the Bradenton and Sarasota areas and beyond, and we have experience working with a range of common Florida pests.
Don’t let pests wreak havoc in your home! Contact us today for a free quote, and feel free to ask us the questions above. We know you’ll like the answers.