
Once you have encountered pests inside your Indianapolis home, there is no going back. You cannot expect a regular bug spray to fix the infestation, while DIY ideas are usually fruitless. Your obvious choice is a pest control company, but choosing the wrong one can result in losing money with no real benefits. Explore now what sets a professional service apart, but before that, here is a list of red flags that you should be aware of.
- No Proof of Licensing or Certification: All companies in Indiana are required to have a valid license, which they should show to the customer on demand. That’s almost like a silent assurance that the company will adhere to safety standards and follow treatment guidelines.
- Vague Treatment Plans: Be cautious of any company that shares a generic treatment plan over the phone. Ideally, technicians should inspect your property to identify the type of pest, the extent of the damage, and the overall severity of the situation, in order to design the best approach ahead. Don’t work with a service that has a “spray and go” attitude.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: There is no denying that you have to get expert help to fix an infestation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sign up immediately. Beware of pest control companies that use salesy ways to get you on board. Also, if you don’t want add-ons, you shouldn’t be pushed to accept an “offer”.
- No Initial Inspection: As we discussed before, a quick site visit is a must to know the type of infestation one is dealing with. Don’t take the next step if an exterminator isn’t willing to do so. The chances are high the technicians will just do surface-level work and leave soon. An inspection also helps find everything from entry points and sources to nesting sites and risk factors.
- No Written Estimates or Contracts: While a casual discussion about the price is not a bad thing, be cautious if a pest control company doesn’t share a detailed contract or estimate. Whether you have been promised a discount or additional services, every detail should be mentioned on paper.
- Poor Online Reputation: Too many negative reviews and comments on social media, Yelp, and Google is a clear red flag. While angry or dissatisfied customers are more likely to write something than happy ones, you should be concerned if complaints are almost the same or have a pattern.
- Technicians Don’t Answer Questions: Customers often have basic and generic questions, but it is the role of the pest control team to answer each of them efficiently. You should never work with a team that doesn’t make time to educate you or resolve your concerns. Regardless of whether it is about their services or the species, you should press your queries.
- Suspiciously Low Pricing: Everyone loves discounts, but at the same time, pest control isn’t a job where you can expect great services at low prices. Extremely cheap quotes often mean shoddy work and shortcuts. Many companies will just vanish after you pay them, and if the problem surfaces anytime soon, you have to hire another service again.
- No Insurance Coverage: Pest control experts often have to tackle many risks while handling an infestation, and if the employer doesn’t have liability insurance or workers’ compensation insurance, accidental property damage and injuries could be your liability.
The final red flag you should be concerned about is the extreme use of toxic chemicals. Many pest control companies in Indianapolis follow EPA guidelines and stick to IPM (Integrated Pest Management) principles. The work of such services is better for your family and the planet. Make your list of best-rated exterminators and pest control services now!