How to Choose A Pest Control Company

Table of Contents

Tips For Selecting a Pest Control Service in Sydney

Choosing a pest control service is an important decision. After all, you are letting strangers into your home and trusting them to get rid of pests safely and effectively. With so many options out there, how do you decide who to hire? This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a pest control professional.

Do Your Research Upfront

Don’t wait until you have an active infestation to start researching companies. Take some time when you first move into a new home to identify reputable pest control providers in your area. This way if you do end up with an unwelcome guest like termites, cockroaches, or bed bugs, you’ll already know who to call.

Start your search online and look for companies that service your neighborhood. Check out their websites and social media pages to get a feel for their approach, areas of expertise, treatment methods, and customer satisfaction. Checking recommendations helkps you confirm their track record and reputation. Read online reviews on sites like Google and Facebook to see what past clients have said. Feedback from previous customers or your friends provides a great starting point. Look for pest controllers with consistently high ratings and positive feedback. An AEPMA membership is also a good sign they should be reliable.

Interview Multiple Companies

Once you’ve identified a few potential pest companies, take the next step and interview their customer service team over the phone. Explain your situation and needs. Pay attention to how knowledgeable, thorough and responsive they are. Use this evaluation checklist of questions to ask prospective exterminators:

Are you licensed and insured?
What experience do you have with my specific pest problem?
What treatments do you use and are they safe for children/pets?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee for your services?
What’s included in your quote and are there any additional fees?
How often will treatments be applied and is follow-up included?
Do you provide preventive services to avoid future infestations?

A reputable company will happily answer all of your queries. They should provide MSDS safety sheets for any pesticides they use and be upfront about treatment plans and pricing. If a company hesitates to give you information or makes guarantees that seem too good to be true, cross them off your list.

Assess Their Professionalism

Pay attention to how companies conduct themselves from your very first interaction. When you call to make an inquiry or schedule an inspection, are they responsive and show up on time? Once on site, do they take time to thoroughly inspect for pest activity vs. rushing through? Are they dressed professionally and have branded vehicles/equipment? These may seem like small details but they give clues into how seriously a company takes their business.

Cowboy operators or “fly-by-night” services may quote cheap prices upfront then tack on lots of hidden fees down the road. Stick to established local companies with transparent pricing and solid reputations. If something feels off about their approach or you don’t connect well with the technician, trust your gut.

Prioritise Low-Toxicity Treatments

Pesticides are inherently toxic substances designed to kill or repel pests. However not all products pose equal levels of risk. When interviewing pest control companies, ask about their use of low-toxic eco-friendly treatments, such as:

Essential oil-based sprays
Diatomaceous earth
Borax powder
Insect growth regulators
Bait stations
Traps

Ideally, look for IPM (integrated pest management) providers who focus on addressing root causes vs just spraying strong chemicals everywhere. They will seal up entry points, remove food/water sources, and use the least toxic methods possible. This “environment first” approach protects your family while also being gentler on beneficial pollinators and pets.

Confirm Their Licenses and Insurance Policies

Before signing any contract or allowing pest treatments to commence, verify that the company has active licenses for your state. Technicians who handle restricted-use pesticides should also have current certifications.

Ask for copies of their general liability insurance and worker’s compensation policies as well. Reputable companies will carry adequate coverage to pay for any client property damage or bodily injuries sustained on the job.

Trust Your Instincts

With the right research, there are many competent and ethical pest control professionals to choose from. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and get all the information you need. Then go with the company you feel most comfortable with. If a provider seems sketchy, doesn’t answer your calls, or rushes through treatments, move on. The safety of your home and family should be the number one priority.

Conclusion

Taking the time to thoroughly vet pest control companies in advance pays dividends when you actually need to eliminate an infestation. Focus your search on experienced local providers. Make sure they have positive reviews and clear business practices. Meet with multiple technicians to discuss your needs and evaluate their capabilities in-person. Hire only transparent, ethical companies that make safety a priority for your home and family. Trust your gut feelings and don’t be afraid to move on if something feels off.

With the right exterminator partner, you can get rid of pests effectively while protecting the health of the things that matter most – the people and pets you love.

Checklist Infographic – Questions to Ask Before Hiring

To recap, here is an easy-to-follow infographic with our 7 essential questions to ask any pest control company before bringing them on:

Feel free to share this infographic.

Call Us Today: 02 8188 3994