Are you dealing with pest problems but don’t know what to do? Are you wondering how to choose a good exterminator? Especially for individuals encountering an infestation for the first time, it can be challenging to determine whom to contact to ensure the job gets done right. We understand that inviting strangers into your home is a vulnerable decision and those professionals need to comport themselves with the utmost respect and deal with your issue effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately not all pest control teams are created equal so it’s important to properly vet the exterminators coming to your home.
To help you make an informed decision we’ve compiled a list of all the important questions you should ask a pest control company before booking.
Are they fully licensed?
Pest control and extermination licensing requirements are different depending on your province. It’s important that any company you engage with is properly licenced and is willing to provide proof when asked.
Are they part of any quality associations?
Professional associations ensure the quality of the businesses they endorse. When a company is a member of several of these associations it means they are being held to multiple quality requirements and guidelines. For Vancouver Island pest control the major associations to look for are the Structural Pest Management Association of British Columbia, the National Pest Management Association and the Canadian Pest Management Association.
You should also look at the company’s rating on sites such as Better Business Bureau and customer reviews on their Google Business Profile. If the pest control company you’re looking at checks all these boxes you can feel assured that they have established themselves as a reputable business.
Are they local?
Check if they have an office near you. A local pest control company will not only be able to get to you faster and be quickly available for any required follow up appointments, but they will also better understand the specific pest issues of your area. Animals have different habits in different locations and it is essential that your pest control professional be attuned to this so that they can identify and remedy your issue.
For example, in mainland British Columbia subterranean termites are common but take a ferry ride over to Vancouver Island and it’s an entirely different story. In and around Victoria and Nanaimo the pacific dampwood termite is much more common, although they are both termites their lifecycles, damage patterns and favourite hiding spots are very different. Illustrating just how important local extermination professionals are.
Are they experienced with your specific pest issue?
Not all pest control professionals are equally experienced with every type of pest. Often experts will specialize with a specific type of pest, for instance, there are wildlife specialists, bird specialists, bed bug specialists, etc. When you call, ask whether the pest control company has prior experience handling a similar infestation, you don’t want to be the guinea pig for a new treatment.
This also ties into how long their pest control team has been in business. An established company with many years of experience will always be the better choice to deal with your infestation efficiently and effectively.
What are the treatment options?
A reputable pest control company should have no problem answering all of your questions and walking you through exactly how they will treat your problem. Ask how they are planning on handling your issue: baits, traps, exclusion, etc. Ask what is required of you and your family- do you have to evacuate the area during the treatment and for how long? Sometimes there will be options and you will be able to choose what control method will be best for your home. For example, using mouse traps vs catch and release – they should walk you through the pros and cons of each method so you can make an informed decision.
High-quality pest control companies will always treat the pest problem from the source. If a company suggests treating the symptoms of an infestation without addressing the root of the problem (how the pests entered the home in the first place) they are not providing a quality service and the problem will likely return in no time.
Do they communicate clearly and respectfully?
It is essential that you feel safe with your choice of pest control professional as they will be entering your home. Any quality pest control company will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and should be clearly communicating with you through the whole process. If for any reason you have doubts, trust your gut and find someone else.
All of Old Island Pest Control’s specialists are fully licensed, certified, and held to the highest professional standards possible. We are part of the Structural Pest Management Association of British Columbia, the National Pest Management Association and the Canadian Pest Management Association. Our quality service has been recognized and awarded with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.8-star Google rating across all our locations.
Old Island Pest Control offers pest management and exterminator services for both residential and commercial properties. We have local pest control experts at locations across Vancouver Island including Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville & Qualicum, Courtenay, Victoria and Campbell River. Call us today to learn how we can help.
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