Discerning consumers must pay careful attention to pest control companies’ warranties to ensure they’re properly covered in case of re-infestation. Does the warranty only protect against certain types of termites? How long does the warranty last? Each company will have different provisions, so you should read the fine print to effectively compare the various terms.
A second concern is the treatment itself. Is it toxic to humans? Will the chemicals leach into the environment and water supply? Does it provide protection against more than one type of termite or pest? Does it require you to vacate the premises for several days while the treatment is underway?
Ask if the company is staffed with professionals who are geared toward customer service and knowledgeable about termites and other pests. Is the inspection a thorough one? Are they trying to solve a problem or just sell you a solution?
Joseph Grande, manager of Pacific Coast Termite’s Northern California branch, says the best course of action is to get two or three bids from different pest control companies. Even if you know nothing about termite control, you can use the bids to compare firms. You may be presented with multiple treatment options, which you can use to form follow-up questions and ask the contractors about their competitors’ solutions. The most professional and knowledgeable firms rise to the top.
