There are some 900 thousand different types of living insects known in the world! Regardless of these varying species, no one wants those bugs in their home.
Living in the Sunshine State, getting rid of pests can feel like a hassle. By choosing the right Clearwater pest control company, you can keep those pests at bay!
Otherwise, you might find some unexpected, unwanted house guests skittering around.
Ready to start your search? Keep reading to learn how to find the best professional pest control company in Clearwater. With these tips, you can find the help you need to keep those pesky critters out.
Start your search with these tips!
1. Do Your Homework
First, ask friends or family members who live in Clearwater if they can refer you to a pest control company. Let their positive experience with another company benefit you by speeding up your search.
If friends and family members can’t recommend a company, check online. However, you shouldn’t trust the first company that pops up in a search. While you’ll likely want to end your pest problem immediately, you also want to make sure you’re choosing the right company for the job.
Once you have a list of possible pest control companies, do your homework.
For example, does the company serve your area? Some companies only visit homes in a tight radius.
Then, determine what type of pest problems they cover. You can use this guide to see if one of the top 100 Florida insects is exploring your home. If you have a specific pest problem, you might want to find insect control companies with experience getting rid of that pest.
2. Time in Business
Your research isn’t done there! To narrow down your list, make sure to determine how long the company has been in business.
You can check websites such as:
- Better Business Bureau
- State Department of Agriculture
- State Attorney General’s Office
- EPA
As you visit these websites, make sure to check how long the company has operated. Then, see if they have any complaints filed against them. You might find the company or its applicators have a complaint for misusing pesticides.
If they have a complaint, cross them off your list.
Determining how long the company has operated will tell you a lot about their experience. If they’re a newer company, they might not have hands-on experience with every type of pest in Clearwater. Finding a company that is established and experienced will give you peace of mind.
That way, you’ll know you’re choosing a professional pest control company to get rid of your pests.
3. References
Once you’ve started narrowing down your list, ask for references. Speak with recent clients who have worked with the pest control company you’re researching.
Did they have a positive experience? Was the company on time? Did the team answer questions in a way that was easy to understand?
You can also head online to check for testimonials and reviews. In addition to checking the company’s website, check their Google My Business listing and Yelp, too. A pest control company will likely cherry-pick the reviews they display on their website.
One or two negative reviews aren’t bad. A ton of negative reviews will speak to their company’s abilities and reputation.
In the meantime, try these tips for getting rid of unwanted houseguests.
4. Certification & Licensing
Each pest control company should have at least one certified, licensed commercial pesticide applicator on the team. Make sure the other applicators are certified and licensed technicians under the supervision of a certified applicator.
When you speak with the company, ask:
- If the technicians have current licenses
- If the license is under the correct job classification
- How the company keeps their staff informed of technique, product, regulation, and safety changes
- If they use Integrated Pest Management techniques
- If they have a certified entomologist on staff
You can call the State Department of Agriculture to verify the company’s licenses.
Ask if the company can provide a copy of their pest control license, labels for all the pesticides they plan to use, and their rates as well.
5. Safety
When choosing a pest control company, you want to make sure they have your best interests in mind. That includes the safety protocols they have in place regarding their pesticides.
Ask if the company offers any low-toxicity options to reduce environmental risk.
What measures do they take to minimize exposure and accidents? For example, do they have protective gear? Do they have insurance to cover you, your property, and their employees in the case of an accident?
You can contact the pest control company directly to ask these questions before requesting a quote.
As a note, make sure to keep pets and children away from the treated areas until after the pesticide spray has dried.
6. Value
As you research different pest control companies, you’ll likely want to choose a company that can offer the best value.
Ask for a quote from each pest control company you contact. Make sure they sent the quote over email instead of verbally. That way, you have physical proof of the quote.
Getting estimates from different companies will allow you to compare their rates and services.
Make sure the company doesn’t require you to sign up for a long-term contract. If they do, what are the long-term costs? What services are included?
Don’t sign anything until you thoroughly review the contract.
7. Customer Service
As you search for the best pest control company in Clearwater, don’t forget to consider their customer service. You’ll likely get a good feeling about a company’s customer service during your research. Don’t forget to check online reviews and consider your interactions with the company.
Did they listen to your concerns and provide suggestions? Were they respectful during your conversations?
Make a note if the employee you spoke with was willing to discuss how they plan on treating your pest problem. That way, you’ll know you’re working with a company that values transparency.
Finding the Best Pest Control Company in Clearwater: 7 Qualities to Look
If you’re looking for the best pest control company in Clearwater, don’t forget to review this guide! These tips can help you find a high-quality, professional pest control company that has your best interests in mind!
Ready to get your pest problem under control? Contact us today to get started.