The Ultimate Pest Control Service Vetting Checklist
How do I select a reputable pest control service provider?
This question is so important because this can make the difference between a positive experience and outcome, and a negative (or mediocre) one. Even with something as simple as a wasp nest or mouse infestation, it is important that you make the right choice.
To assist you in this process, we at iX5 Pest Control have put together a checklist to help you vet potential pest control service providers. This checklist is based on our years of experience within the industry. So, regardless of where you live or whether you are looking for a one-off pest eradication service or an ongoing contract, this checklist will help you identify various criteria to look for when selecting a pest control service provider:
Business Information and Experience.
- Has the business been established for a long time or has it recently started?
- Do all staff have relevant training and are they competent?
- Does the business have current liability insurance and are they willing to share the details with you (should an adverse event occur)?
iX5 Pest Control
- 7 Days A Week Service
- Weekend & Evening Appointments
- Domestic & Commercial Pest Control
- Contactless Payment Methods
- Comprehensive Initial Survey
Additional Services
Local Service
- There are national companies and locally based ones to choose from. There are also some who operate as a call-centre type operation, taking a hefty commission for fielding the admin and sub-contracting the work to anyone local who will take the job on. You will need to decide which you wish to use, whilst also considering. The benefits and downsides to each option.
Size of the Business
- In some cases, this might not be relevant, but it may be a factor to consider, particularly for longer term services or high value work.
- Larger businesses are usually able to service a job but might not be able to ensure consistency among staff, and those staff often do not have autonomy to use their discretion on a job.
- Small one-person businesses can usually offer a personal service with total flexibility and discretion, but may not be able to service a job in the event of illness or a vehicle breakdown, as they often have no business continuity plans in place.
- Small to medium sized local independent businesses are usually best placed to offer a balance between personal service, continuity, autonomy and discretion, and have back-up resources available in the event of staff illness, a vehicle breakdown, or another adverse event.
Website and Social Media Presence
- Does a business showcase their work on their website and on social media accounts? If not, why not, as businesses are usually proud to showcase their work and use this in marketing.
- Does their website demonstrate expert knowledge and experience?
- Do they publish regular blogs or other expert articles?
- Do they provide other useful resources on their website?
Lots of Positive Reviews and Testimonials
- Most people understand that things might not always go completely to plan with every single job, but it is important for all businesses to have a good ratio of positive reviews to negative ones. It is also important to check how any company responds to all reviews, and particularly how they respond to any negative ones.
Experience With the Particular Pest Issue You Have
- Ask what experience a business has of the particular pest problem you need support with. You need to be confident they can provide the right solution for you.
Experience With the Type of Service You Require (Commercial or Domestic)
- Ask what experience a business has of the particular setting you need support in. You need to be confident they can provide the right solution for your setting.
Professional Body Membership
- Is the business a member of any professional body? Professional bodies ensure members adhere to certain standards and often have procedures in place if a customer has concerns.
Trustmark Accreditation
- Is the business a member of the only Government Endorsed Quality Scheme in the UK? If not, are they a member of any other assurance scheme?
How easy does the business make communication for you?
- Do they have multiple communication channels?
- Do they answer the telephone or respond to voicemails or emails etc promptly? Very often, businesses that cannot respond promptly to enquiries are even worse when it comes to delivering their service.
Do they Sound Competent and Courteous in all Verbal and Written Communications?
Do They Have a Clear Service Level and Pricing Structure for Their Work and Are They Transparent With This?
- Are there any hidden charges or anything to be aware of?
- How does their service level and price compare? If you are just looking for cheap, check what service are you actually purchasing? When comparing prices, are you comparing the treatment or same service level?
Make Sure You Compare Like for Like Services and Service Levels When Comparing Costs
- Often there is more than one way to tackle pest activity and different pest controllers might use different methods.
- A reputable pest control business will be open about their methods and treatments.
Will the Business Provide Written Treatment Reports, Invoices and Receipts?
- Reputable businesses will always provide a written report at the end of every visit, setting out exactly what has been undertaken, and listing any pesticides used. Invoices and receipts should always be provided too.
Do They Offer Any Type of Guarantee or Other Reassurance
- It can be difficult to guarantee some pest control treatments as success or reinfestation can be influenced by customer behaviour or other external factors. However, a reputable business would always be clear about this and provide you with reassurance regarding their treatment.
At iX5 Pest Control, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and we always provide the most appropriate resolution for each of our customers pest problems. If you have, or suspect you have a pest issue, contact us on 01604 328545, email [email protected] or complete or simple contact form here.
