How to choose a pest control company
Published Updated
By John Stopka, Co-Founder & CEO · Reviewed by John Stopka
Start by confirming the company is licensed by your state [1][2]. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Public Health both offer online searches [4][5]. Then get more than one estimate, ask how the company will identify and handle your problem, read the contract and guarantee terms, and walk away from high-pressure sales [1][2][3].
How do you check that a pest control company is licensed?
Ask to see the license, then check it with the state [1][2].
- Kentucky: The Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Structural Pest Control Branch has an online Pest Control Company Directory and an Applicator Search [4].
- Illinois: The Illinois Department of Public Health licenses and inspects structural pest control businesses, and it has a Pest Control Business Search [5].
The National Pesticide Information Center also suggests confirming that the license is the right type for the job, and that the people doing the work hold current licenses [2].
For termite work in Kentucky, University of Kentucky entomologists suggest confirming the company is licensed by the Department of Agriculture [6].
Why should you get more than one estimate?
To compare value, not just price. The EPA says cost shouldn't be the only thing that decides which company you pick, and suggests getting estimates from several companies [1]. Many companies give free estimates [1].
When you compare, look at the services, the plan for your problem and the long-term costs, not just the first price [2][3].
For termites, University of Kentucky entomologists suggest getting inspections and estimates from more than one company and comparing the services, treatment methods and warranties [6]. Termites damage wood slowly, so taking extra time to decide generally makes little difference [6].
What questions should you ask a pest control company?
Ask questions that show how the company will handle your specific problem [2][3]:
- What pest do I have, and how big is the problem? [2][3]
- What's your plan to control it, and how will we prevent it from coming back? [3]
- What will you apply, where, and what do I need to do before and after? [2][3]
- Do you use integrated pest management (IPM)? [2]
- How much experience do you have with this pest, and how are new technicians trained? [2]
- Can I see proof of insurance? [3]
- Can you give me references from other customers? [1][2][6]
- What does your guarantee cover, and what do I have to do to keep it? [1][3]
How do you check a company's reputation?
Ask people you know, then check for complaints [2][3].
- Get recommendations from friends and neighbors instead of relying on ads [2][3].
- Call the references the company gives you [1][2][6].
- Check with the Better Business Bureau and your state agency for complaints [1][2].
- Ask whether the company belongs to a state or national pest control association [3][6].
If you have a problem with a company, Kentucky and Illinois both offer complaint forms through the same agencies that handle licensing [4][5].
What should you look for in a pest control contract?
Read it before you sign, and make sure you understand the guarantee [1][3].
- What the guarantee covers: Ask exactly what's included [1][3].
- Your part: Some guarantees require yearly inspections, and some become void if you make structural changes to the house [3].
- Termite work: Ask whether yearly inspections cost extra and what the contract says about damage to the structure [1].
- Long-term costs: Ask what the service will cost over time, not just at the start [2].
Keep your own records, too: the company's contact information, the names of the people who did the work, treatment dates and what was applied [2].
What are the red flags?
The EPA advises caution with companies that [1]:
- Push package deals, or offer special prices if you agree to treatment right away
- Don't have a listed or working phone number
- Claim to have a secret formula
- Pressure you to sign a contract on the spot
- Claim a government agency endorses them
Government agencies don't endorse pest control companies [1]. University of Kentucky entomologists also warn against companies that use pressure tactics [6].
What happens when you contact Liberty Pest Control?
Here's how it works with us.
- Text us or book online. Tell us what you're seeing.
- Pick a preferred day. Our office will reach out to confirm your time.
- Meet your Service Advisor. A local Service Advisor will perform a full home inspection and help you choose the right service.
When you choose a plan online, a local Service Advisor visits your home for free to confirm it's the right plan.
Anyone can book a free termite inspection. Your Service Advisor looks over your home for signs of termites and goes over your options.
That visit is a good time to ask the questions above.
The one question we wish every customer asked: Are they highly rated and recommended, with credible reviews? You can read what our customers say on our Reviews page.
When to call a professional
Call when a pest problem is more than a few stray bugs, when it keeps coming back after you've cleaned up and sealed gaps, or when you think you have termites.
Want to know who you'd be working with? Liberty Pest Control holds pesticide licenses in Kentucky and Illinois. Meet our team on our About page, and see all our services, including pest control and termite control.
Common questions
How do I check if a pest control company is licensed in Kentucky?
Use the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's online Pest Control Company Directory or its Applicator Search, both on the Structural Pest Control Branch page [4].
How do I check if a pest control company is licensed in Illinois?
Use the Illinois Department of Public Health's Pest Control Business Search. The department licenses and inspects structural pest control businesses in Illinois [5].
How many estimates should I get?
Get estimates from more than one company. The EPA suggests several, and says price shouldn't be the only deciding factor [1].
What are the warning signs of a bad pest control company?
The EPA warns about package deals or special prices for immediate treatment, no working phone number, claims of a secret formula, pressure to sign on the spot and claims of government endorsement [1].
Should I sign a termite contract right away?
You don't have to. Termites damage wood slowly, so taking extra time to compare inspections, services and warranties generally makes little difference, and pressure tactics are a warning sign [6].
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Tips for Selecting a Pest Control Service." https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/tips-selecting-pest-control-service (opens in a new tab)
- National Pesticide Information Center. "Selecting a Pest Control Company." https://npic.orst.edu/pest/selectpco.html (opens in a new tab)
- Pesticide Environmental Stewardship. "Choosing a Pest Control Company." https://pesticidestewardship.org/homeowner/choosing-a-pest-control-company/ (opens in a new tab)
- Kentucky Department of Agriculture. "Structural Pest Control Branch." https://www.kyagr.com/consumer/structural-branch.html (opens in a new tab)
- Illinois Department of Public Health. "Structural Pest Control." https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control.html (opens in a new tab)
- University of Kentucky Entomology. "ENTFACT-604: Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners." https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef604 (opens in a new tab)