Hiring a pest management professional

Homeowners often panic when finding insects or rodents within their homes. Many times these unwanted guests have wandered in from outside and pose no real threat. Often, these nuisances can be dealt with using an IPM approach.

Certain pests are of concern because they can cause structural damage (termites, carpenter ants), contaminate food (stored product beetles, moths), destroy fabric (clothes moths, carpet beetles), carry disease (mice, rats), or be of a health concern (mosquitoes, yellowjackets). Often, controlling these pests requires more knowledge or resolve than most of us have and so, the services of a pest management professional are needed. How do you find a good, reliable professional? First, you need to do some of your own research.

Before making any decisions, be certain you have a pest problem. If you are not sure of its identity, take a sample to your local Washington State University Extension Office (listed in the blue pages of your telephone book under “County Government”). They can provide a diagnosis and information on how to best manage your problem. Use this information to make a more knowledgeable hiring decision.

If managing the pest is more than you are willing or able to attempt, take your time in choosing a professional. You don’t have to make an immediate decision because most nuisance pests can be tolerated for a few days and structural pests take months or years to cause significant damage. Ask friends or neighbors to recommend a professional with whom they may be familiar. Don’t be influenced by sales pitches, scare tactics, or pressure to sign service agreements. Get at least three companies to provide an on-site bid for treatment. You may be surprised at how widely the costs will vary. Remember, the cheapest bid is not always the best.

Professional technicians should identify conditions that contribute to pest problems and include IPM solutions as part of their service program.

Successful pest management always requires an inspection to identify the pest or its signs – when found, ask the technician to see them. Pesticides are only one option the technician has available to them. Professionals will consider other alternatives before applying pesticides and may be able to control some pests without using any chemical tools.

Questions to ask before hiring a Professional

Are you properly licensed with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)?
In what categories is the technician licensed? If they are properly licensed with WSDA, you can assume their business is properly licensed as well.

Where is your office located? How long have you been in business?
You want to be certain you are dealing with an established company and not a "fly by night" operation.

What type of insurance do you carry?
Washington state law requires licensed applicators to have insurance or a bond. This is designed to protect the consumer.

Do you have any prior complaints?
Contact WSDA (toll free) at (877) 301-4555 for complaints or other licensing issues.

Can you provide a list of references?
Most companies will be happy to share their success stories with you.

Do you perform an inspection prior to treatment?
This may include the placement of traps or other types of monitoring devices.

Do you practice IPM? What IPM tools do you use?
Technicians often make recommendations for you to implement such as cleaning up spilled food, sealing access points, removing vegetation, or fixing leaks.

Will I receive a written report of your findings, proposed treatment, and costs?
This is required, at a minimum, for proposed treatments of wood destroying organisms (carpenter ants, termites, wood-boring beetles). Use this to compare with other bids for service.

Can I receive copies of pesticide labels for products you use?
They are not required to provide this, but many will if you ask. However, the pesticide label is a legal document and must be followed by both applicators and homeowners.

If I have concerns related to the use of pesticides, how will you address these?
The technician may make suggestions for products that are effective against the pest but have minimal impacts on humans or pets.
What happens if I choose to do nothing?
Have the technician explain potential problems if the pest is untreated. Be wary when a technician warns of rapid, disastrous consequences if the problem is not treated immediately.

What are the terms of your service agreement?
Be careful about what you sign. Ask what happens if the pest problem does not go away. Don’t sign any contract unless you understand clearly what obligation you are assuming and what you are getting in return.