Identifying the right pest control company for your home and your situation is paramount for getting on top of an infestation. Plus, you want to be sure a company’s services are within your budget. Here are some of our best tips when it comes to finding the best pest control professional.
Check Portland Pest Control Company Reviews
Looking into the online presence of any pest control company, including reviews on sites like Google and Yelp, is a good place to start vetting. Speaking with neighbors, family and friends in Portland about companies they’ve used in the past can also be an invaluable resource. Getting reviews from people who have actually hired the company in the past is the one of the best ways to get a sense of what to expect.
Checking at least three sources, whether online or in person, on each company you consider will give you a fuller picture of its work. If you’re looking online, keep a close eye out for the dates and quantity of of these reviews. Even if a company has mostly positive reviews, but they’re mostly outdated or there are only a few, it could be a sign it is not as established or its reputation isn’t as high as it used to be. Look for plentiful, recent positive reviews from several online platforms or local references.
The Type of Pest Control Service You Need
Depending on the company you choose and the pest you’re targeting, there are many different approaches to eliminate your pest-related concerns. Additionally, the type and extent of treatment can vary dramatically depending on the pest you’re dealing with and the severity of the infestation. For example, dealing with a few ants in your kitchen or a few bees around your pool will be much different than addressing termite damage in your home, and the treatment strategy needs to reflect that.
That said, pest control solutions are twofold in the way that you can choose a proactive or reactive approach. Many services offer a range of pest prevention services.
Again, depending on the type of pest you’re dealing with and the degree of the infestation, a company can employ several different treatment routes, including biological strategies, chemical applications, electronic applications, electronic deterrents, physical barriers or traps or a combination. Regardless of the methods it offers, it’s most important that you choose a pest control company that’s well-versed in treating the specific pest or pests you’re dealing with.
Licensing and Permits
Many states require a pest control technician or company to be licensed according to state regulations or policies. For Portland specifically, pest control professionals do require a license to practice. Generally, permits depend on the location and the type of pest control treatment required. For more information about Oregon’s laws, check out the Department of Agriculture website.
Costs and Service Guarantees
Many pest control companies in Portland can provide an initial quote and arrange house visits over the phone, but some may require a home inspection before offering a final quote. Not all companies offer free inspections, so ask if the company you’re leaning toward does. If they don’t, and budget is the main factor helping drive your decision on which pest control company to hire, keep that in mind.
The cost of pest control services can fluctuate based on the type of pest, the extent of the infestation and the chosen treatment plan. Typically, you can expect to pay around $200 to $600 for a one-time visit and treatment, while more substantial infestations, which may require the contractor to return and treat multiple times, could cost between $100 and $300 per treatment.
Many pest control companies in Portland offer service guarantees, which help to ensure that you’re satisfied with the job performed. If you aren’t, you’ll often get your money back. Discuss the specific policies regarding service guarantees with your chosen company before deciding, as each company’s interpretation of this policy may differ. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you may receive a refund, or some type of compensation, if the experience does not meet your expectations.
Professional Organization Membership
Maintaining membership to a reputable organization such as the Oregon Pest and Management Association Consider is a noteworthy achievement. And companies with similar accolades may be worth your consideration when it comes to pest control. A membership suggests that the company is acknowledged by reputable factions in the professional pest control industry.