Pests in the home are much more serious than just a nuisance. The Washington State Department of Health explains that pests can damage homes, spread pathogens that can cause serious and even life-threatening diseases.
The West Nile virus and Lyme disease are both spread by pests. If you suspect you have a pest problem in your home, it’s vital that you take action.
Read on to learn how to find a reputable, licensed pest exterminator in Vancouver, WA.
opt for a certified, insured, and licensed pest exterminator
One of the most important factors when considering pest control companies is safety to you, the technician, and your home.
A professional pest control company will have liability insurance to cover any damages to your property or possessions during treatment.
You also want to make sure that you choose a licensed pest exterminator company. This means that the technicians or applicators are certified to use commercial pesticides.
Feel free to ask a company for proof of certification and insurance. You are within your rights to ask to see these documents before you hire any pest control companies.
look for pest control companies that have been in business a while
When you type in “pest control near me” in your search engine, don’t just go for the company that is closest to your location.
You want to choose a company that has been in business for at least five years. Newer companies aren’t necessarily bad, but they don’t have their years of business to back them up.
Ask all pest control companies you are researching how long they have been in business. Also, find out how long they have been operating under that name.
It’s best to choose a company that is established and reputable. Yet, this criteria isn’t a deal-breaker. If a company meets all the other considerations but is newer, you may want to give them a chance.
Make sure to check that a business is a member of the Washington pest control association. It’s also a good idea to check if the company has any outstanding complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
free inspection and quote
A knowledgeable pest exterminator knows that he or she will have to examine your house to make an educated decision about treatments and costs.
That’s why a professional pest control company will often provide you with a free inspection and quote for your pest problem.
Be wary of companies that quote you over the phone without seeing your home.
During the inspection, you will have a better understanding of what pests you are dealing with and what your options are.
Reputable pest control companies in Vancouver, WA will give you a written quote. This document will outline exactly what the treatment plan includes.
explains treatment options in detail
When a licensed pest exterminator examines your home, he or she should clearly explain the problem to you as well as list your options.
Before he or she offers any services, the exterminator should ask you questions to make sure they fully understand the issue.
Then, a professional pest control company will offer one or more treatment options and explain the merits of each.
During this conversation, you should be comfortable asking questions. In the end, you should feel that you have a good understanding of your pest problem and your options.
If you feel rushed, pressured, or confused, keep looking for another exterminator in Vancouver, WA.
ask about chemicals the company plans to use
Pest control ofter involves pesticides that contain chemicals. You have a right to know which chemicals and in what dosage a licensed pest exterminator plans to use in your home.
The technician should carry a Material Safety Data Sheet as well as the label on the product that you can look at.
Find out if those products are safe for pets and children. Discuss any adverse side effects. You can also ask if the company offers any non-chemical options.
Ask about the measures the company takes to prevent unnecessary exposures and accidents. You will also want to discuss the types of protective equipment the technicians use.
look for companies with a guarantee
When choosing an exterminator in Vancouver, WA you want to find a company that stands by their work.
Check their website to see if they offer any kind of guarantee. They may guarantee that your home will be free of a certain kind of pest for a number of weeks or months. Or they may offer a “satisfaction guarantee.”
Either way, read the fine print to understand exactly how to claim the guarantee in the future.
check references
Now that you’ve done some research about the company, it’s time to talk to previous clients.
Ask the pest control company for a list of previous clients you can call. You can also check the company’s ratings on social media sites such as Facebook.
If you see lots of 4 and 5-star ratings, that’s great. But, if you see a lot of 1-star ratings, you probably want to take those ratings seriously. Do some more research before making your decision.
And do your due diligence by contacting the company’s references.
final thoughts on finding an exterminator in vancouver, wa
Thanks for reading. We hope this guide has helped you understand what to look for when you are searching for a reliable exterminator in Vancouver, WA.
Remember, pests can be a problem in Washington at any time of year.
If you have a pest problem, our team at Natura Pest Control is happy to talk to you about the solutions we offer. Contact us today.
