Start the search for an exterminator by asking friends, family, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. While these personal recommendations are not perfect, they do provide a way to judge the ability of the company to provide good customer service. They also provide a way to judge the effectiveness of the pest control methods and techniques used by the company. If you can’t find at least 3 recommendations, check with a referral service that includes recommendations, such as Angie’s list.

As a general rule, you shouldn’t ask for a pest control estimate over the phone. Many questions about an exterminator can only be answered when you meet them in person. How is their appearance and manner? You’re looking for a professional. Were they on time? If not, did they call ahead to notify you? How was the appearance of their vehicle? You’re looking for clean, professional and well marked. Was their manner helpful and informative or did they use high pressure sales tactics?

Be sure to ask the right questions. Like how long the company has been in business. More experience is preferred. Again, more is better. Are they licensed? Ask how much training their technicians have. Professional exterminators are licensed by the state and technicians are typically required to have a certain amount of training annually. Verify their claim by checking with the state. Any company that doesn’t provide such proof isn’t worth doing business with.

It’s important to ask if the exterminator is insured. Ask for a certificate of insurance. Lack of insurance is a serious problem and says the company is not truly professional. Avoid pest control companies that can’t or won’t furnish such a certificate. Also ask whether the company belongs to any professional associations. These trade associations offer several benefits to their members. And membership is another clue to the professionalism of the company.

Ask how the company typically solves pest control problems. This is an important question. A professional exterminator will not limit their answer to pesticides alone. A knowledgeable representative will also discuss ways to prevent infestations, such as eliminating sources of food and shelter and ways to prevent pests from entering the home.

How will the firm react if you have a sudden insect infestation? You would expect the company to say they would come in quickly to knock down the infestation. Ask what steps they would take to insure the infestation does not reoccur. The exterminator should be able to talk about the life cycle of pests and what they will do to break the life cycle and prevent re-infestation.

Ask about their pricing. Do their prices compare well with the others? If the prices are higher, do they provide extra services? Asking for multiple bids is intended to learn enough about each company to compare them. Price is not the only factor that should be compared. It may not even be the most important factor. How professional, knowledgeable are the potential exterminators? What level of customer service can they provide? Only when you understand these factors can you make a good decision.

Florida Bug Inspectors is a leading Tampa exterminator with over 20 years experience solving tough pest control problems. If you have flea, roach, ant, or termite control problems, contact Florida Bug Inspectors.