While proper cleaning and maintenance can go a long way toward pest-proofing your home, particularly severe infestations - or particularly nasty pests - will still require a professional to eliminate entirely. Because mosquitoes breed so quickly and carry so many dangerous diseases, they check both boxes, necessitating a professional exterminator.
However, not all pest control companies are created equal: great ones will have a wealth of knowledge about how to target the infestation and eliminate it completely, while less-qualified companies may not be able to fully fix the problem, and may use techniques that damage the environment and put other plants and animals at risk.
A mosquito infestation in or around your home can be a huge inconvenience; luckily, choosing the right exterminator for you situation is simple if you know what to look out for. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
Do Your Research
Research should be a preliminary step for any type of maintenance you need done to your home, but especially vital in the realm of pest control. Without the research, you won't know if you're hiring an unqualified exterminator, if you're paying too much, or if you're getting the best possible service for your home.
Be thorough. True, a mosquito infestation is a serious problem, but it's still better to take the time to find the best solution than to sign on with the first pest control company you find and hope for the best. The time you save by getting your home treated immediately won't make a difference if it isn't treated completely and effectively.
While researching, make sure to get an estimate from each company so that you'll have a realistic idea of what the end cost will be, and make your choice accordingly. Just remember that the most expensive treatment is not necessarily the best one; price is an important consideration, but getting the service that best fits your situation is paramount.
Contact References
If you have any friends or family members that have used a pest control company in the last few years, ask them about their experiences. This will allow you to further narrow your options, and will come from a more trustworthy source than an anonymous online review.
Often times, pest control companies will also provide you with their customer references if asked. These contacts can help you get further insight into the company and what a typical customer's experience is like.
Ask Questions About Company's Qualifications and Experience
Once you've researched local pest control specialists and narrowed your choices down to the best two or three options, it's time to contact each one and ask about their qualifications. Think of it as a job interview: you've got a position open, but only the best candidate can make the cut. This is the exterminator's opportunity to sell themselves to you.
Here are some great "interview" questions you might ask:
How long has the company been in business?
Does the company have much experience with mosquito infestation?
How are new employees hired?
Is the onsite technician currently licensed or certified?
Can the onsite technician accurately determine the extent of infestation? If so, can he/she provide details about the pest?
Does the company belong to any professional organizations or fellowships?
Each of these questions will help you determine whether or not your candidates are qualified and prepared to give you the best results for your situation. Keep in mind that companies should have at least one certified technician onsite for any job. If a technician isn't certified, he or she must be supervised by a licensed advisor.
Insurance and Licensing
Insurance and licensing also important considerations when choosing an exterminator. You should always check to see what type of insurance each company covers, and determine whether the company guarantees its work.
Find the licensing requirements for your particular area or state and ask your prospective exterminator if the company is compliant. If not, it's probably best to keep looking.
If a company is insured and licensed, they should have no problem providing you with a copy of their pest control license, along with guarantee forms and terms of conditions. Most pest control companies guarantee their work for 1-5 years, but the specifics may vary based on the company, location, and scope of work.
As a customer, it is always important to understand exactly what you are paying for. If you are still skeptical about a company's license and conditions, you can call any State Department of Agriculture or the Better Business Bureau to verify certification.
Customer Relations
As with any other business, good customer service is what makes the experience memorable for the client, and what keeps them coming back. When customers and onsite technicians have a good relationship, it makes it easier to have an open discussion about the infestation and decide what measures to take.
If a company has great relationships with its clients, it's a strong sign that they're the real deal.
If you want to learn more about what a great pest control specialist can do for your mosquito problem, and what you can do to take back your home, download our free informative Ebook, How to Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard This Summer.
