How to Choose the Best Pest Control Company in Australia
Dealing with pests in your home can be extremely frustrating. From ants invading your kitchen to mice scurrying around in your walls, unwanted pests can cause damage to your property and health concerns.
With so many pest control companies to choose from, how do you ensure you pick the best one for your needs? Asking the right questions before signing a service contract. Read on for 10 important things you should ask about to choose the most trustworthy and effective pest control solutions.
10 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Reputable Pest Control Company
1. What do online reviews say?
One of the first things to check is online customer reviews. Search for the professional company name on Google, Facebook, and third party review sites. Look out for consistent positive or negative feedback that indicates their quality of service and professionalism. Many unhappy residents will vent online, so be wary of pest companies with very bad reviews.
2. Can I get referrals from past clients?
Ask the professional pest control company if you can contact 2-3 previous customers to ask about their service experience. Speaking directly to other locals who used them will give you the best sense of their real work. If they hesitate or refuse to provide references, it may be a red flag.
3. Are all necessary licenses and certificates up to date?
Reputable companies have proper licensing from local and state authorities allowing them to handle regulated chemicals. Ask to see their current licenses, training certificates, and liability insurance paperwork to ensure everything is valid. This protects you and your family in case anything goes wrong.
4. Will you provide a detailed, written quote?
Avoid any pest control provider that gives you a quote over the phone or offers spraying services for a dubious low cost per room. Professional services will insist on an in-home inspection first, then provide you with a customised, itemised price quote for the recommended treatment plan.
5. What type of infestation do you treat?
Not all pest control technicians cover all types of pest problems, so ask what they have expertise with. Termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, wildlife, bees, and more – make sure they are well-versed in solving your specific pest issue whether it’s ants, house spiders, or fleas from your pets.
6. What treatment methods do you use?
Ask if they use eco-friendly, non-toxic products when possible instead of harmful chemical pesticides. See if they can adapt treatments to accommodate pets, kids, or pregnant women if needed. A one-size-fits all approach usually isn’t practical. Find out if they apply integrated pest management principles to combat issues now and prevent future infestations, in line with EPA guidance on safe use for certified professionals.
7. How responsive is your customer service?
Do they have knowledgeable staff available by phone if you have questions later on? Will a live person call you back promptly if you leave messages? Getting proactive support makes a big difference for peace of mind. You shouldn’t need to anxiously await the next scheduled appointment to reach out.
8. Do you provide any guarantees or warranties?
The best pest control companies will stand behind their work with money-back customer satisfaction guarantees and service warranties. This ensures they will return to retreat unwanted guests if a problem flares up again within a certain timeframe, usually 30 to 90 days.
9. Can you leave preventative care products or address conditions attracting pests?
Some experienced providers, for example, will seal cracks, install exclusion devices, apply prophylactic treatments outside a home, identify moisture issues leading to termite swarmers inside, and more. These value-added services can stop pesky pest infestation from easily returning later.
10. Will you educate me on prevention between visits?
A truly great pest control service provider becomes your partner in prevention. They’ll take time to explain the biology of pests on your property and steps you must take to keep them away between treatments. If a company is focused solely on spraying without empowering you with DIY prevention knowledge, find another option.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right and reliable pest control service requires asking the 10 critical questions above. A pest control provider that readily provides detailed, satisfactory answers likely has the experience, ethical values, and commitment to quality service that separates them from lower-tier competitors.
Investing the time to research and interview companies before deciding pays off with the confidence of partnering with true pest control professionals who get results and exceed expectations.
