Most people wait until they see a roach or hear scratching in the walls before they start looking for help. That's the worst time to pick a company. A little legwork now saves you from getting ripped off or, worse, making the problem worse.
What to Look For
Look for a company that sends someone out to inspect before quoting. If they offer a price over the phone without seeing your place, hang up. You want a licensed operator — check your state's licensing board online. That's public record. Also ask about their insurance. If they damage something or spray something they shouldn't, you want to be covered, not chasing them in small claims court.
Questions to Ask
Ask what chemicals they use and if those are safe for pets and kids. A good company will name the product and explain how it works. If they say 'it's a trade secret' or 'don't worry about it,' walk. Ask how many visits they expect and what happens if the problem comes back. Some companies guarantee their work for 30 days. Others give you a full year. That tells you a lot about their confidence.
Red Flags
Biggest red flag is a company that demands a contract before they even set foot in your house. Another one is a sales pitch that lasts longer than the inspection. If they try to upsell you on lawn care, termite bonds, and gutter cleaning all in one call, they're a salesman first and an exterminator second. Also watch for anyone who says they can solve everything in one visit. Real pest control takes time.
How Ratings Help You Choose
Ratings matter, but don't just look at the star score. Read the recent one-star reviews and see if the same complaint shows up over and over. A company with a 4.8 average but ten recent reviews about missed appointments or bait-and-switch pricing is a hard pass. Look for patterns, not outliers. A single angry review from someone who seems unreasonable is noise. Ten reviews saying the same thing is a signal.
Stop guessing and start comparing local pest control companies on RatingsNearMe.