Tips for Selecting a Richmond Pest Exterminator
Here in Richmond, pest problems can easily arise that require a professional pest exterminator. By the time you notice that infestation of ants – or worse, cockroaches – you might be so panicked that you hire the first pest exterminator you speak to. However, we urge you not to rush into a decision. Tackling your bug problem can certainly wait two to three days, and it’s more important to choose the best pest exterminator than it is to hire the first one on your list.
Even if your pest problem seems urgent, slow down, take a deep breath, and look for a reputable and knowledgeable pest exterminator that meets your standards.
What to Ask Your Pest Exterminator
Qualifications
- Does the company have current and up-to-date certifications? Every pest extermination company must have one certified, licensed commercial pesticide applicator in the proper service category. You can verify licensing by calling the state pesticide regulatory office.
- How does the company keep their staff informed of changes in regulations, products, techniques, and safety? At Eco Pest Control, every member of our team undergoes extensive training in the identification, treatment, and control of pests. Training of our staff doesn’t stop after their initial certification. Eco Pest Control maintains an ongoing pest education program to ensure everyone on our team stays abreast of the latest industry advances.
- Does the pest exterminator use integrated pest management techniques, which are a combination of common sense and scientific principles? Integrated pest management uses knowledge about the pest’s habits, life cycle, needs, and dislikes; uses the least toxic methods first, up to and including pesticides; monitors the pest’s activity and adjusts methods over time; tolerates harmless pests; and sets a threshold to decide when it’s time to act.
Experience
- How many years has the company been in business? You want a pest exterminator that has a strong record of reliability and success. To see if any complaints for misusing pesticides have been filed against the company or its technicians, contact the State Department of Agriculture, State Attorney General’s Office, Better Business Bureau, or the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Do newly hired technicians train with more experienced employees?
- How much experience does the company have with treating pest problems like yours?
Reputation
- Ask family members, friends, coworkers, or neighbors for a recommendation.
- Check their online reviews, including Google, Yelp, Facebook, and pestreviews.org. Eco Pest Control has more than 1,200 five-star reviews, which says a lot about what our Richmond customers think about our company.
- Ask the pest exterminator for customer references. A trustworthy pest exterminator should be willing to provide you with references. When you receive a list, contact the references to find out if they are satisfied with the service provided by the pest control company.
Value
- Will the pest exterminator offer an estimate for services in writing? Eco Pest Control offers free inspections, followed by a written quote.
- Get estimates from more than one Richmond pest exterminator and compare their rates and services.
- Does the company require you to sign up for a long-term contract? If so, what are the long-term costs?
- Is the company able to provide a guarantee for their work? What are the terms? Eco Pest Control offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee; if you are not fully satisfied with your pest control service, we’ll come back for free.
Customer Service
- Do the company’s technicians listen to your concerns and address them with care and respect? We take extraordinary pride in our level of customer service. Just read our reviews and you’ll see that our customers agree.
- Can the technicians identify the pest, explain the extent of the infestation, and provide details about the pest and its behavior? Eco Pest Control’s technicians receive training in all pests we treat, from bed bugs to termites.
- Is the Richmond pest exterminator willing to discuss product selection and other details of the treatment? At Eco Pest Control, we believe that the more informed our customers, the more they can play an active role in pest treatment and control.
Safety
- Is the pest exterminator willing to discuss low-toxicity options and ways to reduce environmental risks? We use green, environmentally safe products. Be aware that many pest exterminators claim to be “green,” but aren’t. So, ask what “green” or “organic” pest control means to them and inquire about the types of methods they use to treat pests. Ask if their service is completely non-toxic, natural, organic, safe, eco-friendly, or chemical free. At Eco Pest Control, the answer to all those questions is “yes.”
- Do they have insurance to cover you, your property, and their employees?
- Are they responsible about wearing protective equipment when necessary?
- What measures will they take to prevent unnecessary exposures and accidents?
As you contact and interview the companies, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Educate yourself about the pest and your options for treatment.
After You Have Selected Your Pest Exterminator
Once you have selected a pest exterminator for your Richmond home or office, take note of the following items:
- The contact information for the company
- The names of employees who are performing the work
- The time and date of the inspections/treatments
- The names of the products they will use and their EPA registration numbers
- The formulation of each product and where that product will be used. For example, is the product a gel, a spray, or a dust?
- Any preparations you need make before the treatment, such as putting away clutter, removing items from kitchen cabinets, or keeping pets and children away from the area
- Precautionary information or potential health effects in case of exposure to pesticide products.
Successful pest control will require communication and cooperation between you and the pest exterminator. Ask questions and make sure you understand the treatment and your responsibilities in making the treatment a success.
Additional Resources
- National Pesticide Information Center (804) 575-7054
- Your state pest control regulatory agency
- Cooperative Extension Service office near you
- Citizen’s Guide Pest Control and Pesticide Safety
- Fact sheet – Choosing a Pest Control Company: What you need to know
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pest Control Operator
- Tips for Finding a Pro
- How to Select a Bed Bug Control Provider
- Choosing a Qualified Pest Management or Lawn Care Company
- Selecting a Lawn Care Company
- Choosing a Pest Control Company
- Hiring a Pest Management Professional
- Pest Control: Do it Yourself or Hire a Professional?
- Green Shield Certified Pest Control Company
- GreenPro Certification Program
- Choosing a Pest Control Company: IPM Is the Key
- Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP)
Eco Pest Control is rated 5/5 from 1,664 reviews & testimonials.
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