How to choose a pest control company you can trust

When you have a pest problem, it's tempting to call the first company that answers the phone. That can work out. It can also lead to a long contract, a treatment you didn't need and a problem that comes right back.

The short answer is this. Choose a company that is licensed in your state, inspects before it quotes, explains its plan in plain language and has a record of happy customers. Talk to more than one before you decide.

Slow down, even when it feels urgent

A sudden swarm of ants or a mouse in the kitchen feels like an emergency. Most pest problems are not.

The National Pesticide Information Center, run by Oregon State University, advises talking with several companies before choosing one, even when the problem feels urgent. Its page on selecting a pest control company is a good checklist to keep open while you make calls.

Termites are a good example. They do their damage slowly, so taking a few extra days to compare companies rarely makes the problem worse. Bed bugs and stinging insects near a door are more pressing, but even then, a day spent checking a company is time well spent.

Check the license

Every state regulates pest control companies that apply pesticides. The rules differ from state to state, but most require the company or its technicians to hold a license or certification for the type of work they do.

Ask the company for its license number. Then look it up with your state's pesticide regulatory agency, which is often part of the state department of agriculture. Many states let you search licenses online. While you're there, check whether the company has any violations or complaints on file.

Ask about insurance, too. A company working in your attic or crawl space should carry liability coverage.

Look for a company that inspects first

A trustworthy company wants to see the problem before it names a price. Be cautious of anyone who quotes a full treatment over the phone without asking many questions.

During a good inspection, the technician should:

• Identify the pest, or explain how they'll confirm it
• Show you where the pests are living and how they're getting in
• Point out conditions that attract them, such as moisture, clutter or gaps
• Explain what they recommend and why

If the technician can't tell you what the pest is, or won't explain the plan, keep looking.

Ask how they treat, not only what they spray

Many good companies use an approach called integrated pest management, or IPM. It means finding the cause, fixing the conditions that attract pests and using pesticides only where they're needed.

Ask questions like these.

• What products will you use, and where in the house?
• Are there lower-risk options for my situation?
• What do I need to do before and after the visit?
• Do pets or children need to stay out of any area, and for how long?
• What changes can I make to keep the pests from coming back?

A company that welcomes these questions is usually one that respects its customers. Any pesticide should be applied according to its label, and a licensed professional should be able to explain what that means for your home.

Read the contract before you sign

Get the estimate in writing. It should list what's being treated, how many visits are included and what the price covers.

If the company offers an ongoing plan, read the terms carefully. Look for how long the contract runs, how to cancel and whether it renews on its own. If there's a guarantee, ask exactly what it covers. Some cover only retreatment. Others cover repairs. The difference matters.

Be wary of pressure. A company that pushes you to sign today, or offers a deal that expires when the technician leaves, isn't giving you time to compare.

Use reviews to see the full picture

A license tells you a company is allowed to do the work. Reviews tell you how it actually goes.

When you read reviews, look past the star rating. Read what people say about the inspection, whether the technician explained things clearly, how the company handled a problem that came back and whether billing matched the quote. A pattern of the same complaint across many reviews means more than one angry post.

On BugControlReviews.com, you can compare pest control companies near you and read moderated reviews from customers. If you want to know how we screen reviews before they're published, see how reviews work. We don't inspect or license companies. We publish what customers tell us so you can decide for yourself.

Red flags to watch for

Walk away, or at least slow down, if you notice any of these.

• No license number, or reluctance to share it
• A price given before anyone looks at the problem
• Pressure to sign a long contract on the spot
• Vague answers about what products will be used
• Claims that a treatment is completely risk free or will work forever

Help the next person choose

Once the work is done, think about what you wish you'd known before you called. Was the technician on time? Did the treatment work? Did the company come back when it said it would?

That information is exactly what the next homeowner needs. A short, honest review of your experience, good or bad, helps your neighbors choose well. You can write a review in a few minutes.