California a state in western U.S., stretches for nearly 900 miles from the Mexican border along the Pacific. While it is famous for its beautiful gardens and its agricultural production, it is infamous for its exotic and invasive pests such as ants, cockroaches, rodents, millipedes, paper wasps, silverfish, fleas, bedbugs, and some more that threaten the natural environment of the state. Quite a few of them such as cockroaches cause health related problems, others, such as rodents damage to household goods, while some of them cause structural damages too. As it is literally impossible for residents of the state to exterminate all of them by their own, it is ideal to seek the help of a professional pest exterminator company. However, instead of calling the first California exterminator agency you find on the net, it is better to check whether they are suitable for the job. Follow the tips given below when choosing an exterminator in California, as it will help you to get the best value for your money, and ensure a job, properly completed.
Research
Note down the details of a couple of exterminator companies located in your city and note down the reviews posted by their previous clients. Check the credibility of the company as well as number of years it has been in business and whether it is open 24×7. If necessary ask for references about that company from your relatives and neighbors. Your aim is to select a company that is effective and efficient, and charges a reasonable sum.
Inspection
Schedule a meeting with the company prior to hiring them. Visit their office and personally talk to their staff. Discuss your problem thoroughly to understand how they will handle it, and how much time will they need to complete the job. Since exterminators often use chemicals whose fumes are hazardous for health specifically for children and elderly citizens, you may have to relocate to a guest house for some days during the extermination process. A professional company will come up with a unique treatment plan for your problem, and will inform you the methods they will employ to eradicate pests, along with the pesticides they will use, together with likely hazards, future tips, and so forth.
Certification and license
Check whether the person conducting the services is a licensed and certified pesticide applicator or just a licensed technician. It is imperative for each exterminator company to have at least one licensed and certified commercial pesticide applicator. The other applicators of the company must be licensed technicians or certified applicators working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. You can verify the license by contacting different State Departments of Agriculture. Also contact the Better Business Bureau, to find out if people have filed complaints against the company or its applicators for misuse of pesticides.
Avoid the company if
Never hire a company who offer a discounted rate as they have pesticides left over from a previous job. Try to pressurize you to sign the contract immediately by playing with your emotions, such as suggesting that your home is structurally unsound, and might collapse if you do not get it treated immediately. Avoid companies that charge for pesticide by the gallon, as treating for termites can require hundreds of gallons of pesticide.
Warranty and annual maintenance contracts
While choosing California exterminators, ensure that the company offers a warranty on their services. It is a good idea to choose a company that offers annual maintenance contracts, as such maintenance helps prevent buildup of pests in your home.