Exterminator

Overview

Having pests in your home can be a very frustrating. Whether you are dealing with insects or rodents, such pests can be a pain to get rid of. Do not make the mistake of attempting to use store-bought pest control products and other do it yourself techniques as a way of taking care of the issue themselves.

Hiring professionals who specialize in exterminating insects means you don’t have to deal with the problem yourself. Exterminators have the expertise to analyze the severity of the pest problem and apply the proper treatments as needed. They use a number of chemicals and products for pest control purposes that an unfamiliar, unknowing homeowner may use in the wrong way.

Average Costs of Exterminator
Basic Information
Tips & Advice

Average Costs of Exterminator

The national average cost is $150 – $300+

The average costs of an exterminator is $150 – $300. But can go as high as $1500 or more. So choosing the right professional the first time is of the essence.

Billing:

Flat Rate Per Job – Most companies charge a flat rate for the work they do.

Recognize that there are several variables in developing the price. These include:

Time that it takes to complete the treatment.
How many technicians are working on your project.
Was it an after hours emergency
With many more aspects that may add to the cost

Remember, the company quoting a low rate may not necessarily be the right company for you. Some companies may offer low hourly rates, but then charge additional “fees” to complete the job.

You may also need to consider that most companies charge a higher rate for overtime, weekends, holidays and emergency calls.

The best rule of hand is to get an itemized estimate so you know exactly what is expected from the local company.

Basic Information

Pests & Average Prices To Remove Them

Carpenter ants – $500- $1,000 for initial spray
Termites – $1,200+ for initial treatment
Bats – $50 – $500, not including guano removal or sanitization
Bed Bugs – $500 – $1500+
Bees – $200 – $500 for treatment, not removal
Lice – $50 – $100+
Carpet Beetles – $250+ for initial treatment
Cockroaches – $300+ for initial treatment
Dust Mites – $200 – $500+ for initial treatment
Fleas – $150 – $350+
Ticks – $150 – $350+
Mice & Rats – $100 – $325
Weevils – $125 – $250
Spiders – $100 – $200

Pest Prevention Tips

Seal Exterior Walls and Cracks
Even small cracks can make way for pests to get through.

Fix Loose-Fitting Windows and Doors
Loose fittings can create access points for pests to enter.

Seal Gaps Around Plumbing
Pests can enter houses through plumbing gaps.

Keep Leaves and Yard Debris Away from Home
Debris around the home can attract roaches, ants, and other pests.

Wash Clothing in Hot Water after Hotel Stays
Bed bugs are often transferred from hotels to homes via clothes.

Steam Clean the Mattress
Steam cleaning your mattress will kill bed bugs.

Keep Your Home Clean
Put food away, wash dishes, and take out trash. Pests like roaches are attracted to food.

Clean around Walls and Cracks with Detergent
Cleaning smells can deter ants from entering the home.

Maintain Regular Scheduled Pest Control Visits
End existing infestation and help prevent future pest problems by calling professional exterminators.

Common Household Pests

Ants
Bed Bugs
Birds
Cockroaches
Flies
Nuisance Wildlife

Occasional Invaders

Rodents
Spiders
Stinging/Biting Insects
Stored Product Pests
Termites

Questions To Ask An Exterminator

Are you licensed?
Does your company carry liability insurance?
Is the company affiliated with the National Pest Management Association?
How much experience does the company and applicator have inspecting and treating for pests? What kind of training do employees receive, and how often?
What is the company’s standard procedure for dealing with pests?
What is the length of the treatment?
Ask if there will be follow up visits, after the initial treatment, are part of the management plan?
What safety precautions need to be taken during pest control treatment?

Exterminator Checklist

Identify the pest and do some research about how to control it.
Call at least three companies and consider their methods as well as their customer service policy.
Find out what types of services the company offers.
Find out if less-toxic alternatives are available to control the pest.
Make sure the company has the required licenses, certificates, and insurance.
Ask the company to inspect the site.
Review the solutions.
Consider long-term solutions to the problem.
Consider your chemical tolerance.
Ask how the pesticide will be applied and where.
Review the contract.
Verify that the company, as agreed in the contract, is monitoring pest populations.
Communicate to the company the levels of pests that are tolerable.
Inform the company of any changes in pest populations.
Do your part to help manage the pest.
Clean up food sources.
Fix plumbing leaks, or repair structures.

Tips & Advice

Ask For The License – Ask for all local and state business licenses.

Proof Of Insurance– For your own protection, check proof of both workman’s compensation and liability Insurance.

Business Stability– Find out how long the company has been in business.

Check Online Reviews – You’re probably not the first person in town looking for their services. Rely on the internet to get reviews written by people in your community.

References – Expect any top-notch company to be able to provide you with references upon request. Once you have these names, contact the clients to get information about the quality service. When you call, ask questions about the work, timeliness, cost and whether the clients would use the company again for future work.

24-hour Emergency Service – Make sure your local company offers emergency 24 hour service. If something goes wrong, it’s good to know that you will not have to wait days for them to come out and fix it.

Over The Phone Pricing – Honest estimates simply cannot be given over the phone – especially if you aren’t talking with an actual technician when you call.

Free Estimates – Most companies offer free estimates. This is important because they can provide you with the costs upfront, so that you are not shocked with a bill after the services are completed.

Safety Record – Safety can be a significant factor, so ask the company about their safety records to ensure that any service professional you hire has a satisfactory safety record. You want a company that doesn’t have a high incidence of on-the-job mishaps or injuries.

Building Codes- In certain areas you’ll need to make sure that the local company meets all building code requirements.

Satisfaction Guarantee – Choosing a company that offers a satisfaction guarantee will ensure that they will get the job done right the first time and will save you money and frustration in the long run.

Cleanup – The mess left behind after a project can be major. Ask what cleanup work the company includes with it’s services.

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Exterminator

Overview

Average Costs of Exterminator