Most people wait until bugs are crawling across the kitchen counter before they call anyone. That's the worst time to pick a company. A little legwork ahead of time keeps you from getting burned.
Before You Search
Figure out what you actually need. A one-time spray for ants is different from a quarterly contract for termites. Look up the pest yourself — is it carpenter ants or just sugar ants? That changes who you call. Check your home's history: previous treatments, known infestations, any warranties from the seller. Write down exactly where you saw activity and when.
Vetting Candidates
Ask neighbors and local Facebook groups who they use. Look for a company that has been around at least five years. Check their license with your state's agriculture department — that's public info. Read reviews on Google and Yelp, but focus on the ones that describe the tech's behavior, not just the price. A good company answers the phone and calls you back. If they dodge your questions about chemicals or methods, move on.
Getting Quotes
Get at least three quotes. Make each company walk your property — inside and out — before they give you a number. If they quote over the phone without seeing the place, they're guessing. Ask for a written breakdown of what's covered: which pests, how many visits, what happens between treatments. No one should charge you for a callback if the problem comes back within the service period.
Before You Sign
Read the contract. Look for cancellation terms — can you leave anytime? Is there a fee? A contract that locks you in for a full year with no exit is a trap. Check what's guaranteed. Some companies only guarantee they'll come back, not that the bugs will actually go away. Make sure the warranty covers damage from treated pests. Get everything in writing, including verbal promises about re-treatments.
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