• One of the most important considerations when assessing the professionalism of a pest management company is whether the company has Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at the core of how they do business. A professional pest management company that uses IPM techniques does not solely rely on pesticides as the only method to respond to a pest problem. A professional pest management company will control pests by using pest control products such as least hazardous chemical products as well as a combination of preventive measures, proper sanitation, good home maintenance practices as well as the use of traps and pest monitors that help identify the locations and abundance of pests.
• When needing pest management, it is wise to obtain estimates from several prospective companies. It also is wise to ask for a list of references, contact those reference and find out how well the company did. A professional pest management company will provide an estimate only after inspecting the property for the types, location and abundance of pests that are causing concerns. A properly executed pest inspection can take time. The technician should be looking for both live pests, and evidence of pests, such as fecal droppings, shed insect parts and even recognizable odors. A thorough inspection will also include inspecting for locations where sanitation issues enable pests find food and water and for openings that allow pests to enter the premises.
• Is the person(s) performing the services a certified, licensed pesticide applicator? Do not hesitate to ask for the servicing person’s credentials. Reliable applicators will show you their credentials and will be able to provide you with copies of pesticide labels that indicate how the product should be applied, including the proper application rates, and the necessary precautions.
• If the company’s representative offers a guarantee, ask to see the guarantee, and ensure you know what the guarantee covers and determine if there is a yearly inspection charge. In addition, find out if the pest control company is responsible for structural damage if the treatment fails to control the termite infestation. The guarantee is only as reliable as the company that offers it.
• Ask how many years the company has been in business at their present address?
• Ask whether the company is a member of professional organizations that provides companies current updates of pest management methods, research, and industry related regulations. Companies that join professional pest management organizations indicate a desire be concerned for the quality of the company.
• Did the company representative leave a positive FIRST IMPRESSION? One of the representative’s primary roles when first meeting a potential customer is to leave a memorable impression of his or her professionalism. The pest management professional should be well dressed, clean and well groomed. The service person must be friendly and mannerly, polite, and respectful. The service employee must emphasize what the customer needs to hear and to ensure that the customer has a full understanding of what is involved in the service.
• Did the company representative use shoe covers when entering the residence?
• Usually, property owners want the pest problem eliminated immediately. However, sometimes the property owner can wait for a short time that allows the opportunity to “do the “homework” necessary to select a competent, reasonably priced company. Rather than rush and make a mistake, it’s wiser to obtain estimates from prospective companies. . Also, consider the following factors before making your decision. When a evaluating a decision, take a close, educated look for the evidence of both quality and value of the work proposed. Remember, for Pest Control, Customer Satisfaction Is Job #1
• Customers usually appreciate a call from service persons indicating when they will arrive.
• Find out whether supervisors, service technicians and/or sales representatives performing the service are licensed and certified to perform the services offered. Licenses and certificates of certification, and evidence of technical training are issued by State Regulatory Agencies and/or University Departments. If a company representative says the personnel are trained and certified, ask to see evidence of their certification training as well as copies of the product labels and amounts of products being proposed for use on their property.
• What is the estimated response time to begin the pest management work to resolve the pest problem?
• Ask how long the company has been in business. Successful companies that have been in business for years usually are highly regarded by homeowners and businesses in the area.
• Is the person or persons performing services a certified, licensed pesticide applicator?
• Ask how the contractor protects non-target organisms such as pollinators and endangered species while doing their work.
• Orkin requires a pest management inspection before offering a contract for the customer to sign. Orkin provides a completely customized price for each customer.
• In addition to insect and rodent control, Orkin provides professional-level bird, bat and wild animal control, mosquito control, mold, and mildew remediation, when needed.

BEWARE OF COMPANIES OR INDIVIDUALS THAT.......

• Claim to have a secret formula. All pesticide products must be registered by the U.S. EPA and the States Departments of Agriculture. Registered pesticide labels contain a list of active ingredients.
• Don’t succumb to pressure to sign a contract since most reputable companies will not insist that you sign a contract “on the spot” or tell you that the price for the work will be less if you sign a contract “on the spot”.
• When you ask for references, the company representative can’t provide legitimate references or else makes excuses for why references are not available.
• Before deciding, reach out to friends, neighbors, and family members to determine whether the PMP did a good job and resolved the pest problem. Ask for references. Does the company have references from trusted sources and people in the area who have used their services
• Want to do pest control as part of a package deal, such as general home repair or tree trimming or that will give you a special price if treatment is done immediately.
• Don’t have a listed or working telephone number.
• Sell services door-to-door. If you encounter a person that may not be trust-worthy, ask to CHECK THEIR IDENTIFICATION AND CREDENTIALS.
• Arrive unexpectedly and show you insects they have found in your neighbor’s house as evidence of a neighborhood problem.
• Says they have excess material left over from a previous job and offer a reduced price for immediate treatment.
• Claim to be endorsed by the State’s Departments of Agriculture, the U.S. EPA or other government agency. Government agencies DO NOT endorse any service company.

Reference: https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/tips-selecting-pest-control-service