Ahhh pest control and prevention…the one service everyone hopes they never need. And yet, it’s also one of the most essential and critically important services for a home.
Having a pest problem can be one of the most stressful (not to mention, grossest) issues that homeowners face. And so although we’d much rather funnel our money into services that beautify our homes like landscaping and exterior home painting, pest control is undeniably essential.
So what should you expect when it comes time to put your credit card on a contract? Here’s a guide to help you on your way to pest-free living with a company that treats you right.
Why you should choose a professional service over DIY (Do It Yourself)
When the dreaded signs of an insect invasion appear, homeowners often attempt to treat the infestation on their own. While this may seem like the easiest and most affordable solution to the problem, DIY is certainly not the most effective or safest option. Often choosing DIY can make matters worse and end up costing you more down the line.
If you see ants in your home, you would probably buy an ant killer, right? And the same goes for any other pest as well. A pest arrives, and you purchase a product to eradicate it. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Here’s the problem, before too long, your shelf will have ten different pest products, each designed to eliminate a separate kind of pest. Then by the time you’re treating the new wasps, the old cockroach population returns and you’re back to fighting them. Meanwhile, you begin to suspect that the ants you were treating may actually be termites…it’s exhausting just discussing how intensive pest management can be!
While we hope this scenario never plays out in your home, the risk is that it could happen when trying to solve pest control problems on your own.
Most DIY methods are useful for only one type of pest, but hiring a pest control service is comprehensive! The professionals can treat a slew of different kinds of pests in one visit. And more importantly, the experts understand why and how the pests are invading.
A pest control expert will identify why you are having a pest issue, and they can much more effectively eradicate pests from your life forever.
Another factor to consider is that handling pest control products on your own can be dangerous. Pest control products are most effective and safest when in the hands of a certified expert.
Choose the right pest control company for you
When considering hiring a pest control company, it can be tempting to sign up with whoever gives you the cheapest estimate. However, there are a lot more factors to take into consideration than just price. After all, you’re entrusting these people with the safety and well-being of your home, yourself, and your family.
Be sure any company you decide to work with has qualified, certified, and experienced experts. Don’t feel hesitant to ask a company about their certifications! Reading reviews from those who have received services with the company is also very helpful. You want to make sure that you’re working with a company that will take the time to explain what they do, and that listens to your input as well – it is your home after all!
While your first thought may be to jump in with a large national chain company, take the time to research a few local companies before you sign a contract. With a local company, people often find more customizable plans that fit your needs and your area better.
Local companies are also often the most familiar with the common and uncommon pests of your specific area. Think about it – they’re entire company is based near you, so there’s nothing they haven’t seen!
Make sure you select a company that values its customers and provides excellent customer service. The last thing you want to deal with when you have bugs in your home is a company that doesn’t prioritize you.
How and why the cost of pest control service varies
We’d love to report that pest control costs are one size fits all, and you should expect to pay $X for your service…regrettably, we can’t. Every home and every pest problem is unique.
Treatment plans and prices will vary based on your home’s size and the size of your property. Prices will also vary depending on whether your problem is interior, exterior, or both. Not to mention, there are many different methods of pest prevention and removal, so the price of your service will differ due to your customized treatment of your particular pest problem.
Basically, pest control problems are not one size fits all (nor should they be) and so the price isn't one size fits all either.
Another factor to expect while looking into pest control prices is how often the company will be visiting to treat your home. You will usually be presented with customized treatment options. Then based on their recommendation and what you feel comfortable with, you will choose a plan. Companies may offer anything from single treatments to one annual treatment and anything in between.
Signing up for a recurring treatment plan (either monthly or bimonthly) is often the most effective approach to removing and preventing pests. Your first visit is always the most intensive because the professional will want to treat all problem areas inside your home.
They’ll also want to inspect any unseen entry points, problem sources, or possible causes for the infestation. The following treatments are mainly exterior treatments to manage the pests and keep them away.
Pest control with the experts at Gecko Green
What can you expect when you choose Gecko Green for your pest control and prevention needs? You can expect friendly, helpful service from a team that cares. You can expect guaranteed services and fair prices. You can expect your pest worries to be completely cured.
The experts at Gecko Green are certified with the Texas Department of Agriculture in Structural Pest Control with certifications in pest control and termite control. Our Preventative Pest Control Program covers all your needs and ensures that you won’t ever need to “bug-out” over pest control issues.
When you sign up for our Preventive Pest Control Program, one of our experts will visit your home and thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your home to develop a treatment plan for your property.
During this inspection, we’ll note any sources, conditions or avenues that are conducive to pest infestation and leave a detailed inspection report with our recommendations. We will then employ a highly targeted treatment strategy on the interior of your home to manage and prevent pest activity.
There’s no pest in North Texas that Gecko Green can’t handle! And with our special “bundle and save” offer, you can save 10% off pest control services when you bundle it with a lawn care program. Call us today for a free quote!
