How to Select and Use Solomon's Pest Control Services
Solving Your Pest Problems | Select Carefully | To Be Sure of Satisfaction |
Inspections | After Initial Treatment | | Important Points
Solving Your Pest Problems:
Pest problems may have troubled you at one time or another in your place of residence or place of business.
When you have a pest problem, REMEMBER...services by well-trained, knowledgeable pest control professionals are readily available. By knowing how to select the right company to serve your pest control needs, you are well on your way to peace of mind in a healthier environment.
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Select Carefully:
Selecting a pest control service is just as important as selecting other professional services. You should seek the same high degree of competence and ethics as you would expect from your doctor, lawyer, dentist or insurance agent.
A good place to start is to ask a neighbor or friend to recommend a pest control company. When someone you know has used pest control services, you may wish to inquire about the type of pest problem encountered, and how satisfied they were with the result. They may also have information on price, warranty and other important facts.
A professional company has an established, fixed place of business. Membership in the National Pest Control Association, a state or local pest control association, are good signs that the company is established and has access to modern technical and management information on quality service. Such associations also have codes of ethics members agree to abide by. If you must select a company at random discuss prospective companies with your local Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce or consumer office.
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To Be Sure Of Satisfaction:
Your satisfaction will be assured if you fully understand -
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The pest(s) to be controlled.
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The extent of infestation.
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The work necessary to solve the problem.
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The warranty (guarantee) covering the work done: what it covers, period of time it covers, what you must do to keep it in force, as well as any other features.
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The contract you sign: Is it clear to you? Are the terms spelled out? Are all blanks filled in?
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What is and is not covered. Remember, there is a limit to what you can expect from your pest control specialist. He will use technical skills and knowledge to do his best for you. Ask what you can reasonably expect from him. Ask what steps YOU need to take before and after the service has been performed to make sure you receive maximum results.
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Keeping appointments with your specialist will expedite your pest control program. Cancel scheduled service only when absolutely necessary.
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Special instructions: do you need to leave the premises during treatment? Do your cupboards need to be empty prior to treatment? Should you remove pets, etc?
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Inspections:
Many pest control programs begin with an inspection designed to identify pests or potential pest problems. The procedure varies according to the type of inspection required to detect either general pests or termites. An inspection may indicate an application of chemicals is not needed. This responsible opinion is as much a part of your pest control service as a pesticide application. Rely on your professional's knowledge and training in such judgments.
After a general pest or termite inspection your specialist may provide you with information on:
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Sanitary conditions which may invite infestations.
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The extent and location of a pest problem found at the time of the inspection.
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Existing or potential avenues of entry for a pest infestation.
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Structural deficiencies serving as actual or potential breeding sites for insects, rodents, and other pests. (Examples are: cracks, crevices or holes in walls and screens, broken tiles, voids, crawl spaces.)
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The elements of your pest prevention and control program and the steps it will include.
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If your home has never been treated for termites, subscribe to an annual inspection to ease any concern you may have even though your home may not be currently infested. You can also have a preventive treatment made to head off termite trouble.
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After Initial Treatment:
Whether you have a rodent, general insect pest or a termite problem, continued prevention and control is important. You should make arrangements for the specialist you select to provide you with continuing services to insure a healthy environment. Here are some suggestions:
Insect and Rodent Problems
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Arrange for regular inspections of your premises.
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Follow your specialist's sanitation recommendations.
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Accept the professional's recommendation to treat with pesticides as appropriate. You are paying for his knowledge as well as his ability to use pesticides properly. He knows when and when not to use them. Periodic re-inspection may be a recommendation after some treatments. Your peace of mind is the goal of a good pest control program.
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Follow special instructions which are designed to protect your food, household objects, pets and the general safety of your family.
Termite Problems
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Provide the termite control specialist easy access to all areas of your property to be sure work can be done thoroughly.
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Take advantage of annual inspections to make sure the initial treatment is still effective.
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If you have made any alterations to your structure - such as new additions, porches, garage slabs, finished basement, etc. or the treated soil around these has been disturbed - make arrangements for inspection and re-treatment to continue the protection of your home or business against termites. In many cases a warranty may be invalidated if ANY structural alterations are made without prior notice to the servicing company.
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Important Points:
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As of late 1977 Federal Law requires that each pest control company must have supervisory personnel certified by the state in which you reside. Many will be certified before then. In addition, many state and local authorities license pest control companies (Lic. #73) . For information on laws, your county agricultural extension agent should be able to provide you with pertinent facts.
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Buy value, not price. If the price quoted seems too high or too low, don't hesitate to secure other estimates. What appears to be a real bargain, may merit a second look. Likewise, a higher price may turn out to be the best buy.
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Support of research in colleges and universities by the pest control industry has enabled it to sustain tremendous growth in professionalism, technical skills and training. This enables it to provide you with the most up-to-date services for the control of insects and rodents harmful to your health and destructive to your surroundings.
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