Most people wait until they see a roach or a mouse before calling someone. That's the worst time to make a smart choice. Here's what actually matters when you're hiring pest control.
1. Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number up front. Every state requires it, and most post a lookup tool online. If they hesitate or get defensive, walk away. Also ask for a certificate of insurance — liability and workers' comp. If a technician gets hurt on your property, you don't want that bill. A legit company hands this over without you asking twice.
2. Experience & References Questions
Don't fall for "we've been in business 20 years" if they can't tell you what kind of pests they actually deal with. Ask how many jobs like yours they've done. If you have termites, you want someone who sees termites every week, not someone who mostly sprays for ants. Call two references. Ask if the problem came back and how the company handled it. If they can't give you real names, that's a red flag.
3. Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get a written quote before any work starts. Some companies charge by the visit, some by the treatment, some by the square footage. Ask what happens if the first treatment doesn't solve it. Do they come back for free or charge again? A one-and-done price with a follow-up guarantee is usually better than a cheap first visit that leads to endless add-ons. Ask about timeline — how many visits, how long between them, and how long until you see results. If they say "it depends" without any specifics, press harder.
4. Contract Questions
Read the contract. Yeah, it's boring. But look for cancellation terms — can you cancel anytime, or are you locked in for a year? Some companies auto-renew and make you jump through hoops to leave. Also check what's excluded. A contract that says "general pest control" might not cover termites, bed bugs, or rodents. If they charge a cancellation fee, find out how much. A fair contract lets you leave with a written notice and no penalty after a month or two.
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