The average US home contains more than 100 different arthropod species. Arthropods are creatures with exoskeletons, visible body segments, and jointed limbs. Some of these common hair-raising critters are centipedes, insects, mites, and spiders.
As if that’s not enough, rodents also invade an estimated 21 million US homes every winter. That’s on top of the other pesky creatures you may find at home, such as roaches, termites, and bed bugs.
All that should be enough reason to ring up a pest control service if you find these creepy crawlers at home. The sooner you do, the sooner you can kick them out and keep them out.
If this is your first time hiring home pest control services, though, it’s best that you know what it entails. To that end, we’ve come up with this guide detailing everything you can expect from pest pros. Read on, so you know how they work and how to prepare for the big day.
- A Discussion of Your Pest Problems
A respectable local pest control service will ask you to give as much detail as you can about your concerns. You’d want to be concise, as they will also use the info you share to determine how to tackle your problem. For starters, many types of pests, such as cockroaches, are developing insecticide immunity.
Also, keep in mind that it’s likely to have multiple pest infestations. While your home may not have 100 arthropods, you may have rats and mice, as well as mosquitoes, bed bugs, or termites.
That’s why it’s essential to share all your pest woes during the initial consultation. This way, the experts can bring all vital tools and supplies to address your multiple issues.
This is also the best time to ask them for details about licensure and insurance. Most businesses in the US require state registration to operate legally. Most states also require businesses to carry liability insurance and workers’ comp coverage.
Once you get these details, you can call your local government to confirm their validity. You may also want to ring up the exterminator’s insurance provider. This way, you can verify if their license is valid and current.
- A Written Estimate
Using all the details you’ve shared, the pest control company can then come up with a service quote. It’s only an estimate, but it can still give you an idea of how much you can expect the service to cost you. The written quote (which they may email to you) will also contain an overview of the steps they’ll take.
- A Confirmation of Your Pest Control Service Appointment
Once you’re ready to hire a pest control company, you can confirm your service schedule. They’ll ask you the exact date and time that’s most convenient for you.
A day or two before the appointment, you can expect a representative to confirm your schedule. If you’re still okay with the time and date, they will then give you a few reminders.
For example, they may ask if someone will be at home to let them in. This isn’t always the case, though, as you may only need lawn pest control service. In this situation, you don’t have to be at home as they can proceed with the treatment since it’s only outdoors.
- On-Time Arrival for the Service Call
On the day of the service itself, expect another call or text from the pest control company. They’ll let you know that they’re on their way and their expected time of arrival. Don’t worry, though, as the most reliable pest control experts are always on time.
- Presentation of Identification Documents
Reputable pest control technicians always come in clean and neat company uniforms. The experts will also show you their IDs, business registration, and insurance. This is crucial, as criminals may pose as “professionals” or even claim they’re from the CDC.
- Donning of Personal Protective Equipment
Pest control experts have undergone extensive training to handle chemicals. Even if they use eco-friendly materials, they will always don personal protective equipment. Besides, there are government guidelines regarding the use of PPE for pest control.
With that said, you can expect the pest control techs to wear goggles, gloves, and respirators. They will also don waterproof hats, long pants, and rubber boots. All these will help ensure that they also stay safe while keeping you and your loved ones safe from pests.
- A Thorough Property Inspection
Some of the first places that pest control experts will check are possible entry areas. These include gaps around windows and doors, as well as holes in the roof, walls, and floors. They will also check pipes and drains, as rodents and roaches can enter through these.
They will also examine the immediate outdoor area, especially your lawn or garden. Many pests, such as moles, termites, and ants, can build ground-based nests. Overgrown grass can also house fleas, ticks, and other invasive bugs and insects.
Reputable exterminators also check their clients’ homes for dampness. Do note that almost half of homes in the US have moisture issues. The thing is, dampness is attractive not only to pests but also to molds that can attract more bugs.
- Writing Up a Detailed Pest Control Plan
After the thorough inspection, the experts will collate their findings. They will then write a detailed report of all these for your reference, too. They will also discuss in detail what they need to do in order to address the infestations.
Suppose that you have water leaks and numerous pest entry points. They will indicate that these need repairs first and then recommend the use of screens.
If you have termites, they will note all the affected areas of your home. They will also write if fumigation is necessary or if spot treatment will suffice.
- An In-Depth Explanation of What’s Bugging You
After writing the detailed report, the experts will then explain everything to you. Don’t worry, as the most reliable pest experts will use layman’s terms. This way, you can have a better understanding of what really is bugging you.
They will also explain the necessary treatments to get rid of the pests. For instance, they may use eco-friendly heat treatment to eliminate bed bugs or fleas. For roaches, they may use organic baits and sprays.
- Start of the Pest Control Implementation
With your permission, the exterminators will then begin the treatment. How long it will take will depend on the pests infesting your home. For example, heat treatment for bed bugs may require at least one hour.
- An Explanation of Preventive Measures
Dependable pest control experts will give tips on how to keep future infestations at bay. For example, they may advise you to maintain your lawn and landscaping. They will also likely let you know about seasonal pests that are common in your area.
The exterminators may also recommend window screens to keep bugs and insects out. They will also teach you tricks on how to handle single pest encounters. Keep in mind that many bugs only find their way into your home by accident.
In addition, reliable pest control pros will give you guidelines on pest identification. After all, of the 800,000 to one million described insects, only 0.10% to 1% are actual pests. Most others are benign or beneficial to humans and the environment.
- Enforcement of Needed Follow-Up Treatments
Rodents, termites, bed bugs, and roaches may need more than one treatment session. This is especially true if your home has many entry points or has dampness issues. Unless you have these sealed and fixed, the infestation may recur.
As such, reputable pest pros are likely to inform you that you may need follow-up treatments. If you do need these extra sessions, be sure to ask how much they will cost. It doesn’t hurt to ask if you can get them at a discounted rate.
- A Written Service Guarantee
According to Affinity Pest Control, reliable companies always give a money-back guarantee. It’s a written service warranty that entitles customers to recover their payment. You can make a claim for this if you don’t feel satisfied with the pest control service you received.
Written guarantees like this are a good indicator of how confident a pest control company is. They know that their methods are effective, but they still want to assure their clients. So, be sure that the pest control experts you work with furnish you with this warranty.
Keep Bugs and Pests Out With Prompt Pest Control Treatment
There you have it, your ultimate guide on what to expect from a pest control service. Now that you know, you can make a wiser decision on which company to choose. Choose only a licensed and insured entity and be sure they also give warranties.
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