Few things make a home feel less like home than discovering you are sharing it with ants, roaches, rodents, or termites. When it happens, you want it solved fast. But pest control involves treatments applied in and around your home, often near kids and pets, so it pays to choose carefully.
Here is how to find a pest control company you can rely on, what to ask, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Identify what you’re dealing with
If you can, note:
- What you’ve seen: ants, cockroaches, spiders, rodents, bed bugs, termites, wasps, fleas, or something else
- Where and when: kitchen, garage, attic, yard; day or night
- Signs: droppings, chewed wires, mud tubes, bites, damaged wood, or unusual sounds
- How long it’s been going on
Some pests are minor annoyances. Others, like termites or rodents in walls, can cause real damage. A good company will help you tell the difference.
Step 1: Ask people you trust
Pest control is one of those services where personal recommendations really help. Ask:
- Neighbors, who may have the same pest pressures
- Friends and family who’ve dealt with similar problems
- Your real estate agent or home inspector
- Friends of friends in your area
Ask whether the problem stayed fixed, how the company communicated, whether they explained the products and process, and how they handled follow-ups.
Step 2: Check licensing and insurance
Pest control is regulated in most places, and requirements vary.
- Business license: Many states require pest control businesses to be licensed. (In California, the Structural Pest Control Board oversees licensing for structural pest control, including termite work.)
- Applicator certification: The person applying pesticides typically needs to be licensed or certified. Ask about the technician’s credentials.
- Insurance: Ask for proof of liability insurance.
Verify through your state’s regulator rather than taking anyone’s word for it.
Step 3: Understand the approach
Modern pest control often combines several strategies, sometimes called integrated pest management. Ask how the company thinks about:
- Inspection: Do they inspect first to identify the cause and entry points?
- Prevention: Sealing gaps, fixing moisture issues, and reducing food and shelter for pests
- Targeted treatment: Using the right method for the pest rather than a one-size-fits-all spray
- Follow-up: Monitoring and re-treatment if needed
A company that only sprays the same thing every month without inspecting may not be solving the underlying cause.
Step 4: Ask about products and safety
If you have children, pets, or someone with sensitivities at home, say so. Questions to ask:
- What products will you use, and where will they be applied?
- Are there options with lower impact, and are they effective for this pest?
- How should I prepare my home?
- Do we need to leave during or after treatment? For how long?
- Should I cover food, aquariums, or pet items?
- What should I do if I notice a reaction?
A reputable company will provide product information and application instructions in plain language, and will answer these questions without defensiveness.
Step 5: Compare plans and pricing
Companies offer different structures.
- One-time treatment: common for a specific issue
- Recurring service plans: monthly, quarterly, or seasonal
- Inspections: for termites or wood-destroying organisms, especially during home sales
- Guarantees or warranties: coverage for re-treatments or damage, with terms that vary widely
When you compare, ask:
- What exactly is included, and what is excluded?
- Is there a service guarantee, and what are the conditions?
- Are there contract minimums, auto-renewals, or cancellation fees?
- What happens if the pests come back between visits?
Read contracts carefully. A recurring plan can be good value, or unnecessary, depending on your situation.
Termites: a note on bigger decisions
Termite treatment and repair can be costly. If a company recommends major work:
- Ask for a written inspection report that identifies what was found and where
- Ask them to show you evidence
- Consider a second opinion from another licensed company
- Clarify what the treatment covers and what a warranty includes
Red flags
- Pressure to sign a long contract on the first visit
- Scare tactics without evidence
- No license or vague answers about credentials
- Refusing to share product names or safety information
- No inspection before recommending treatment
- Unusually low prices followed by add-ons
- “Guarantees” without written terms
Helping the treatment work
You can do your part:
- Store food in sealed containers
- Fix leaks and reduce standing water
- Keep trash sealed and clear of the house
- Trim vegetation away from the structure
- Seal visible gaps and cracks where appropriate
- Follow the company’s preparation instructions
A good company will give you a realistic timeline. Some pests need more than one visit.
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FAQ
How do I know if a pest control company is licensed?
Check your state’s pest control or agricultural regulator, and ask for the company’s and technician’s license numbers.
Is pest control safe for kids and pets?
It depends on the products and how they are applied. Tell the company about children and pets, ask for product information, and follow all preparation and re-entry instructions.
Do I need a recurring service plan?
Not always. A one-time treatment can solve some problems, while recurring plans may help with ongoing issues. Ask what’s included and compare with your needs.
How long does it take to get rid of pests?
It varies by pest and severity. Ask the company for a realistic timeline and what follow-up visits may be needed.
Should I get a second opinion on termite treatment?
For major work, it’s a reasonable step. A second licensed inspection can help you compare findings and recommendations.
Find a pest control pro your network already trusts
Download MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® on the App Store and Google Play, and see the pros your network already trusts. Learn more at my-pro.io or email hello@my-pro.io.