Guides / Recurring services
Hiring pest control
Pest control is often sold as a quarterly or yearly contract. Sometimes that's right; sometimes a one-time treatment is enough.
What to know
- Identify the pest first
- Treatment depends on the pest. Ask what they found and how they know.
- Contract or one-time
- Ask whether a single treatment with a follow-up would solve the problem before committing to a contract.
- Termite bonds
- Termite contracts ("bonds") vary in what they cover: re-treatment only, or repair of damage. Read the terms.
- Licensing
- Pest control companies and applicators are licensed by the state, often through the agriculture department.
Questions to ask the contractor
- What pest did you identify, and where?
- What will you apply, and are there precautions for children and pets?
- Does the termite bond cover repairs or only re-treatment?
Where to check
- Your state agriculture department
- Pest control license lookups and complaints in many states.
General information for US homeowners. Licensing, permit, contract and deposit rules vary by state and city, so check your local requirements. This isn't legal advice, and Stretch Nickels More isn't paid by any contractor, trade group or company mentioned here.