How to find the best pest control companies near me

Finding the Best Pest Control Companies Near You

You may love the outdoors and Mother Nature’s countless critters, but you don’t want to share your home with them. Since early humans inhabited gloomy caves, various vermin have fought for squatters’ rights. Many people try to fight their pest control issues without involving a professional.

Sadly, they find that they only waste valuable time and money, as the fight is bigger than what they’re equipped to handle. Once you recognize that it’s time for the professionals, the next big step is that you must find a trusted company to welcome into your home.

You need technicians that are background checked, knowledgeable, and can ensure your safety while taking care of the problem. Not just any pest control company will do, as you want a business that’s been around and has ample experience.

Source: https://luskin.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/stop_pests.png

Places to Get Recommendations for Pest Control Services

Who do you call if you’re fed up with intrusive insects, repulsive rodents, and disgusting invaders in your New Jersey home? Here are a few of the best resources for you to consider.

1. Family and Friends

Have mice broken into your pantry, or are your cabinets a meeting place for ants? Maybe it’s your first time dealing with an infestation in your home. Where do you turn when you’re overwhelmed and don’t know what to do?

Who better to trust for recommendations than your closest family and friends? Everyone has dealt with pests a time or two. From the richest to the poorest, the socioeconomic status isn’t important to critters. There’s no shame in telling someone that you need to get rid of some pesky vermin quickly.

Chances are that folks in your circle have experienced the same issues. They can confidently recommend the pest control company that helped them. Since you trust them, you can also trust that they have your best interests in mind.

Maybe one of your family members or friends knows someone who works in the extermination business. They can give you contact information, and you can discuss your issues with that person. They can tell you more about their company and experience.

2. Google Reviews

Back in the days before computers and smartphones, your business research was limited to the phone book. You let your fingers do the walking in the yellow pages to find businesses by category. If you wanted an exterminator, you’d see a list with only names, addresses, and phone numbers from your area.

Fast-forward to today, where phone books are obsolete. All you need to do is Google any business category you want online. You’ll get an instant list of area businesses and those in neighboring cities.

Another convenient feature of Google search is that it features reviews from past customers for most businesses. Although some reviews aren’t verified, they can provide a decent picture for you. This online feature makes finding a professional pest control business in the Garden State easier.

3. Consumer Review Site

The downside of Google reviews is that many of them aren’t verified, and you can’t be sure. While goods and services studies are subjective, it’s more reassuring to have confirmed ones. You’re more likely to choose a five-star rating over one with only three stars.

If you’re searching for a competent pest control company in New Jersey, consider trying a consumer review site. These are legitimate online services that research businesses and offer verified reviews. Some popular services include Angi, HomeAdvisor, Houzz, Consumer Checkbook, and others.

It’s as simple as typing in the type of business you want and your area. The site will give you a list of the top recommendations. You’ll read verified reviews that include affordability, dependability, professionalism, and pros/cons. The services have done most of the research for you.

Some of these business review services are free, while others may charge a nominal fee. You must decide how often you’ll use the service, and which best fits your needs. Although each person’s experience may vary, many positive reviews usually speak for themselves.

4. Search Social Media

Your social media accounts can do much more for you than keeping in touch with your friends. Enter a prospective company’s name and see if they have a home page. Not only will you learn more about them, but you can see posts, reviews, and customer service interactions.

If you belong to a designated page for your area, you can always use a post to ask for recommendations. You’ll have a broader audience who have dealt with a plethora of businesses. Ask for the best pest control businesses’ names and how they would rate services.

5. Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau, or BBB, is a private corporation that offers valuable information about businesses and charities. The BBB rates its business practices from A+ to F, which is from best to worst. They also handle consumer complaints and offer non-binding arbitration as needed.

The BBB isn’t a government agency and has no legal authority in its arbitrations. However, companies know that most consumers consider their BBB rating, so they are eager to keep theirs at the top. If you find a New Jersey pest control company with a superior BBB rating, you can probably depend on it.

Services from the BBB are free, and they will share any consumer complaints registered with them. Be cautious of any company that scoffs at BBB rating or has lame excuses for poor reviews. You don’t want anyone working in your home with a less-than-stellar record.

Many companies have a BBB rating badge on their signage and paperwork. It’s a badge of pride, especially for those with an A+ rating. You can also see how they have negotiated with disgruntled customers in the past.

6. Federal Trade Commission

If you want to take your research a step further, you can always search with the Federal Trade Commission or FTC. The BBB and FTC work to inform and protect American consumers, but the FTC is a government agency. They have the legal power to make and enforce consumer protection rules.

The FTC’s reviews, rulings, and investigations are published on their official website. You can enter a company’s name and discover if they have any cases against them. The FTC encourages businesses to post reviews on the company website to inform the public better.

7. Coworkers

While you don’t want to share your information with just anyone when it comes to pests, there’s always some coworkers you can talk too. You know the people in your job that have all the resources, and you might have heard a fellow employee talk about a pest control issue in the past.

Additionally, if your company is sizable, they likely have quarterly pest control services that handle their care. These are valuable resources, especially if your company currently uses a reputable exterminator they can recommend.

8. Attorney General

The Attorney General handles legal cases in your state. When you go to their website or call them, they can give you any information about a company that had serious issues. Now, the AG only gets involved if there’s suspected criminal activity, but it doesn’t hurt to give their site the once over. You can never be too careful about who you let in your home these days.

Evaluating Your Pest Control Firm Recommendations

Now that you’ve found a few reputable companies in your area, it’s time to find out prices and other information. Here’s some questions you should ask and things you should do before you hire a business.

1. Ask Pest Control Company for Proper License Information

Did you know pest control companies must be licensed in their respective states? Also, their technicians must have the appropriate license for the exterminating job. You’re well within your rights to ask to see copies of permits from any prospective exterminator company.

In the State of New Jersey, pest control technicians must pass a test of skills and maintain continuing education for a license. They also must be compliant with the state’s Pest Control Code. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulates all these licenses and rules.

2. Check Website and Social Media of the Firm

If the company is reputable, they will have a website and social media accounts. Their website will show you pictures of their technicians, the background information, service information, and give you a sense of calm about working with these folks.

3. Ask for Estimates

Any legitimate company will be more than happy to offer you a free estimate. They will set an appointment to visit your home, do an inspection, and offer you a price estimation. Don’t be so quick to take the first company that comes to your door, and you must make sure you get everything in writing.

Get several estimates and see which is the best for your budget. Keep in mind that cheaper isn’t always best, so you must consider all aspects of the business.

4. Conduct an Interview with Pest Control Company

Before allowing someone to work in your home, you may want to know a little more about them. How long have they been in the extermination business, and how long have they worked for the company? Do they have the knowledge and experience dealing with the type of pest in your home?

As the consumer, you have a right to be informed, and a legitimate company won’t hesitate to answer questions. A successful pest control professional should have a working knowledge of pests. They can explain the vermin’s characteristics, life cycle, habits, and the hazards they pose to humans and pets.

Furthermore, they should also offer you a detailed explanation of their proposed extermination plan. What chemicals will they use, or what type of traps will be involved? Will one treatment do the trick, or will there be a series of treatments?

Does this technician answer your questions knowledgeably and in understandable terms? Do they put your mind at ease and make you feel like you can trust them to work in your home? These are essential questions to ask yourself before you hire an exterminator.

Finding the Right Pest Control Company for the Job

It can be a nightmare when pests invade your New Jersey home. You need a pest control company with the knowledge and experience to exterminate them for good. Give our company a call today and learn how we can quickly get rid of these pests, and you can relax again. While you’re at it, ask about the quarterly pest control specials that can ensure your home is safe and bug free year-round.