Guidelines for Selecting a Pest Control Service:

A good place to start is to ask someone you know who has used pest control services. Inquire about the type of pest problem encountered and how satisfied were they with the service.

Before you pick up the phone:  

There are a number of questions you should be prepared to ask when you call a pest control professional.  Some of these are listed below.  Most professionals will advise you if they think your problem is minor and does not require their services. Some will even give you a few tips on how to do it yourself but don't expect 
a detailed explanation  of procedures that could take some time.  

1. How long have they been in business under the same ownership?
   Poor performing businesses don't last long. Experience is important. New owners may not be able or willing to maintain the reputation of an older business. 

2. Do they follow the principals of integrated pest management (I.P.M.)?  Check our web page on I.P.M. to understand the importance of this question.

3. How many certified technicians do they have working for them? Larger companies tend to offer good training but staff turnover can be high. In small companies the experienced owners often do the service work  Be careful not to choose someone who is using yesterday's technology. Some experienced technicians may not to adapt to newer, safer and more effective solutions to pest problems. 

4. How long has the technician who will do your work been certified? Well established  companies may sometimes have inexperienced technicians that should be supervised but they often provide excellent training on modern treatment methods..

5. Where are they located?  A business in your neighborhood may show more concern about it's local reputation. They are also convenient and will probably be more willing to come back if more work is needed.
   Find a pest control professional in your area.

6. Who is the owner/manager and what is his/her background?   

7. Is the business a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, A pest control association? Membership in the Canadian or a Provincial pest management association is a good indicator that the company is interested in and has access to modern technical information. These associations also have a code of ethics that members have agreed to follow.

8. How much will they charge to do an inspection to determine the extent of your problem, outline the services they would perform, and provide an estimate for TOTAL cost of this service?  Some give free estimates.
9. What will be the expected results of this service? What is guaranteed and what is not?
10. What exact licensing do they have?  Most  problems in the pest control industry are caused by people who are not properly trained, certified and licensed for the work they do. 
11. What insurance do they have?  What is covered?

Buy value, not price. Sometimes, the least expensive price may not be your best bargain. Knowing when to call an expert is important. Modern pest control professionals first identify and monitor the offending pest and then structure an effective program to control, manage and eliminate the problem from the home, while safely protecting the inhabitants.  Be sure the professional you hire can assure you that they can solve your problems without harming your health or the environment.

Find a professional in your area   
Our directory of professionals is easy way to see who is in the pest control business in your area.  Canadian businesses listed by province, area, city and town. Phone numbers, some e-mail and web site addresses.

Pest management associations  You may wish check this information before you make any commitments to do business.