10,500 Pest Control Services

How do exterminators and pest control companies differ?

Both pest exterminator and control companies have a common goal of eliminating bothersome pests from your home, but the methods which they use to do so are different. Commonly, exterminators use more aggressive methods, sometimes including chemicals, for more instant gratification. You want those ants or cockroaches dead and gone today? An exterminator can likely do that. Chances are you’ll have to be out of the house for a few hours, or days, depending on how widespread the issue is.

With most pest control services, you commonly get a more long-term solution to your problem. They usually will do a thorough pest inspection to investigate the source of the issue and identify the best way to eradicate the pest(s) permanently, if possible. Often this requires multiple return visits to make sure the pest(s) is responding to their suggested treatment, and adjusting their course of action if needed. While you might not see instant gratification like you could with an exterminator, a pest control company is typically dedicated to stopping the problem at the root so it doesn’t reappear down the road. However, there is no guarantee that your pesky guests won’t come back, so make sure with any pest management or extermination professional you hire that you know exactly what’s in the contract, like the number of treatments and what the actual guaranteed end result is.

Questions to ask a prospective pest control service:

• Can you provide me with references?
  
• Are you licensed and insured? (Check liability insurance and workman's compensation.)
  
• How do you charge, and what does that include?
  
• Can you give me a written estimate?
  
• How long have you been in the pest control business?
  
• What do your services include?
  
• What is your experience with similar projects?
  
• When can this job get done?
  
• Will we need to be out of the house? If so, how long?
  
• What happens if the pest(s) comes back?
  

Find pest control services on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to local pest control and read reviews and ratings to find one that fits your needs.