A pest control company may be contracted to manage prevention or infestations of a wide range of pests from ants, roaches and moths to termites, ticks and fleas. Many factors should influence your decision and choice from the company's reputation and state licensing status to your satisfaction with their answers to your questions and your complete understanding of every portion of a contract that is binding on both parties.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 3-4 Hours
Here's How:
- Determine if pest control companies are licensed in your state. If uncertain, contact the state office of consumer affairs or licensing bureau. If yes, ask if the licensing process requires an examination and continuing education credits.
- Based on your findings to Question #1, locate a licensed firm via referral, print advertising or Internet. Ask for proof of their licensing status and insurance, including errors and omissions coverage for operator mishaps such as carpet stains or broken art objects.
- Call the Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce to see if the firm is a member and if there have been any complaints reported.
- Ask the firm for customer referrals and contact the referrals. Ask the clients if their questions were answered satisfactorily, what their perceived level of service was, if there were any contract problems and if they would re-contract this firm again.
- Ask a company agent if the firm provides year-round coverage, how service calls are handled, that is, are they scheduled or on an as-needed basis. Ask if unscheduled service calls cost extra. (Scheduled service calls, such as monthly treatments without adequate monitoring, could lead to unnecessary exposure and expense to the household.)
- Grade the firm based on the agent's visit to your home. Was the representative dressed neatly and professionally? Did they arrive on time and answer your questions to your satisfaction? Was their vehicle clean and in apparent good mechanical condition?
- Now that you have selected "The" company, read every item on any contract before signing and ask questions. If the firm's agent does not or cannot answer a question to your satisfaction, consult an attorney. Look for effective service dates of the contract and provisions that allow for cancellation by either or both parties and under what circumstances. Ensure that the contract provides a process for settlng any disputes.
- Sleep on it. If you still feel comfortable with the firm and their contract the next morning, sign and make sure that you get a fully executed copy,(signed and dated by both parties).