Engaging with a pest control provider is the same as engaging with any other professional service provider. You need to do your homework. Don’t rush into it. Ask a few companies for information and check out trade references.
Your checklist should include the following considerations:
Qualifications
- Do technicians have current licenses? Is the license the correct classification for the job?
- How does the company keep their staff informed of changes in regulations, products, techniques and safety?
- Do they use Integrated Pest Management techniques?
- Do they have a certified entomologist on staff?
Experience
- How many years has the company been in business?
- Do newly hired applicators train with more experienced employees?
- How much experience does the company have with treating pest problems like yours?
Reputation
- Ask the company for customer references.
- Check out the references
- Ensure the company has provided services in the food industry before and preferably those similar to yours.
Value
- Can the company offer an estimate for services in writing?
- Get estimates from more than one company and compare their rates and services.
- Does the company require you to sign up for a long-term contract? If so, what are the long-term costs?
- What are the frequency of services?
- Does this include after hours services?
- What about infestation control follow up visits?
Customer Service
- Can the employees identify the pest, explain the extent of the infestation, and provide details about the pest and its behavior?
- Are they willing to discuss product selection and other details of the treatment?
Safety
- Are they willing to discuss low-toxicity options and reducing environmental risks?
- Do they have insurance to cover you, your property, and their employees?
- Are they responsible about wearing protective equipment when necessary?
- What measures will they take to prevent unnecessary exposures and accidents?
Quality assurance
- Do they conduct quality checks on their staff on site?
- Do they highlight opportunites for improvement?
- Do they hold regular meetings with clients to discuss pest control activities?
Records
- The contact information for the company
- The names of employees who are performing the work
- The time and date of the inspections/treatments
- Details of activities and actions taken
- The names of the products they will use and their DAFF registration numbers
- The formulation of each product and where that product will be used. For example, is the product a gel, a spray, or a dust? No dust should be used in food facilities and non toxic bait only on the inside.
- Corrective action on infestation
Finally make sure you appoint and train an internal person responsible for pest control, who can accompany the technician on their inspections and communicate findings to management for action. Any successful pest management system is a partnership.
For more information on the Pest Control Services Providers listed in our Directory, click here
