In order to maintain your house tidy and pleasant, pest control is required. Fortunately, you may get in touch with a local expert exterminator if you have any creepy crawlies like bed bugs, biting ants, termites, or roaches. Unfortunately, you can come across some shady businesses in your search.

If you recognize the warning signs, though, you may be able to easily avoid problems. Here are some suggestions for avoiding scams while you look for a pest control professional to hire so you may get rid of bothersome insects without breaking a sweat.

Make sure to ask about the professional license of a pest control business. Several simple web resources allow you to look up the status of a professional license. Real-time license verification checks will be performed by this service, and they will be cross-referenced with state and federal regulatory organizations.

To avoid scams, go a step further by contacting your city or municipality’s regulatory agency to inquire about the status of a pest control company’s license. Finally, verify this information with the technician on-site. 

In some states, companies can have a single, licensed professional who “trains” other employees on the job. Scam artists have their single trained employee to sit at the shop, available to “consult” workers in the field who might not know how to properly handle chemicals. Verify that the technician working in your home is the person who carries the license. If not, ask the company to reschedule with the licensed operator.

Although the specifics will vary depending on where you reside, liability insurance is typically required of pest treatment businesses. Reputable pest control companies will go over and beyond by expanding the insurance that they offer. General liability, professional liability, criminality, property damage, and personal injury may all be included in this additional coverage.

Before allowing your professional to spray chemicals inside your house, ask them to show you the necessary paperwork.

A professional from many pest control businesses will visit your home for a free consultation. Wonderful news, yes? No, never. Sometimes a seemingly unimportant situation becomes a minor emergency when the person discovers termite, ant, or bed bug evidence. In extreme circumstances, con artists posing as pest treatment companies go around leaving a few dead bugs on your floor before they “find” them.

The answer? A second opinion is always recommended when it comes to pests in your home. You are free to select a local exterminator or pest control specialist once another expert confirms the problem.