A 2016 survey on American Fears by Chapman University found that 25% of all respondents were afraid of insects and/or spiders but, according to this 2015 report, only 10% of U.S. households receive professional pest control services.
It can sometimes be difficult to recognize the value of a professional pest control. Most people envision a truck pulling onto their driveway with a giant bug on the roof, and a technician hosing their home down with chemicals.
That might be how pest control was done in the old days, but modern practices have turned the industry into a discreet operation with open communication between providers and clients, and proven results.
How can I identify a professional pest control company?
A truly professional company will schedule a convenient time to visit your home and do a thorough pest and rodent evaluation. The evaluation should be free with no obligation to buy or sign up for anything. Pest control without the pressure.
The technician should let you know if you have any active pest problems and if there are things you can do as a homeowner to reduce your risk of future problems. Never pay to fix a pest problem you don’t have. Always get a second opinion if you feel unsure.
If you do in fact have a pest or rodent problem, talk to the technician about service and treatment options. Make sure they provide you with a written price quote. Take your time to evaluate your options, and schedule a service follow-up at a time that’s convenient for you.
So what will professional service look like?
On the scheduled day and time of service, a technician will arrive to your home in a clean truck (without the bug on the roof), dressed in a professional uniform, with many hours of training completed, licensed through the Department of Agriculture, and background screening approved. The technician will go over the pest control plan with you, let you know if there is anything that needs to be moved or if any precaution needs to be taken, and then work on making your home pest free. This means applying targeted areas with specific materials to rid your home of pests. Modern science has made it possible to eliminate pests while drastically reducing the use of chemicals.
When the work has been completed your technician will let you know and review the service performed. You’ll be asked to sign for the service visit, and you’ll receive an email with a detailed record of the work that was done in your home, including details of any materials used and any notes from the technician. The service will come with a warranty and most importantly, it will come with the peace of mind of knowing that your home is pest free.