Tips To Avoid Pest Control Scammers

With a rise in “essential” businesses opening in the last year, we’ve heard many horror stories regarding unlicensed and inexperienced pest control companies scamming innocent homeowners out of their hard-earned money. Though there are many ways to tackle pest problems, experience, proper licensing, and equipment are essential to correctly diagnosing, treating, and preventing pest problems at your home or business. Here are some simple tips on avoiding pest control scammers and what to look for in a pest control professional.

Licensing

To obtain licensing in Arizona, a pest control company needs to undergo rigorous training and pass the required Arizona pesticide certification courses. Not only does the business need to be licensed, but the employees or technicians need to be as well. Meeting on-the-job prerequisites must occur before achieving a license to practice safe and effective pest control services. 

What to watch out for: If a pest control professional is unlicensed, they might not be operating within the law of pesticide use and therefore could cause harm or damage to your property and the surrounding areas. Check the business name or 4-7 digit license number here. If the business registers as “Active,” they have met the criteria for pest control licensing in the state. 

Experienced technicians

Licensing is just the first step of running a legitimate and successful pest control business. Any pest control company with more than 15 years in the Phoenix Valley will have seen it all. Experienced exterminators cannot fake on-the-job experience for decades and understand common and unique critters to the area like scorpions, cockroaches, and pigeons. Still, bluffing is easy on a website or social media post. 

What to watch out for: If a business boasts certified technicians, ask when they were last certified and the specifics of that certification. Find some of the standard certifications and recertifications in Phoenix here. These include advanced termite control, insecticide applications, the biology of mosquitoes, fumigation, and how to use the proper protective equipment. If the company is not up to date, it could mean they are a scam. 

Another way to determine an exterminator’s experience is to check how long the business has been in operation and read the online reviews. A low-rated company should be a quick sign to run for the hills. 

No hidden costs or long-term contracts

Say the pest control company passes the experienced and licensing criteria. Keep in mind that a business can be operating for an extended period, not because they are good at what they do, but by tricking homeowners into long-term contracts that are hard to get out of or have hidden fees along the way. 

What to watch out for: A reputable company provides upfront pricing. If they require a contract, it should be easy to break if you move or need to make changes. Expensive early termination fees and 12-month contracts that require lots of obstacles to cancel are tell-tale signs of a business without your best interest in mind. Read the fine print and, unless it’s a month-to-month agreement or reasonable cancellation policy, shop elsewhere. 

While every home requires different pest-proofing, rodent control, or preventative maintenance, avoiding a pest control scam is crucial for proper treatments and peace of mind. Using the tips above, you should be able to spot a scammer versus a viable business quickly and, if ever in doubt, ask questions to flush out the wannabes from the experienced bug guys and gals.

Russell Pest Control offers professional residential pest control services tailored to the customer’s needs across Phoenix Valley. Whether you need Africanized bee removal, spider control, or scorpion control, our licensed, experienced, and trustworthy technicians adopt an eco-conscious approach to minimize environmental impact. No hidden fees or gimmicks. Contact us today for a free estimate.