Get help with a pest problem

Before you call

Have these ready before you call.

• Your ZIP code. Calls are routed by area.
• What you have seen, and where. Live insects, droppings, shed wings, mud tubes on a foundation wall, gnaw marks, or bites.
• When it started, and whether it is getting worse.
• Anything you have already tried, including store-bought sprays and baits. Keep the containers: the label tells the provider exactly which product was used. Say where you applied it.
• Who lives in the house. Children, pets, fish tanks, and anyone with asthma or a chemical sensitivity should shape which products are chosen.

Questions to ask before work starts

Is the company licensed in this state? In most states, a state or local agency licenses pest control companies. Ask for the license number and check it with your state’s pesticide regulatory agency.

What did the inspection find, and what is the plan? Ask for the pest by name, the rooms or areas to be treated, and the products to be used. The EPA’s Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety has a section on choosing a pest control company.

What should people and pets do during and after treatment? EPA describes the label as the law: its directions and precautions say who may use a product and where, how, and how often. The applicator should be able to tell you what the label requires of the household.

What does the agreement cover? Get the number of visits, what happens if the pests come back, and any warranty terms in writing before paying. The Federal Trade Commission lists a demand to pay everything up front, or in cash only, as a sign of a scam.

How to check a license

Start with your state’s pesticide regulatory agency. The National Pesticide Information Center keeps the list of state pesticide regulatory agencies; pick your state to reach its contact page. The FTC’s advice for any contractor applies here too: confirm the license with your state or county government, and ask for proof of insurance.