Pest control checklists

Vetting the company (EPA-based). Ask to see the license and confirm it's current where your state requires one. Confirm the company has at least one certified, licensed commercial applicator in the right service category and that other applicators are certified or work under direct supervision. Ask whether employees are bonded. Ask for proof of insurance on paper. Ask neighbors. Check complaints with the state pesticide regulatory agency or local consumer office.

Before you sign. Written scope: pest identified, method, product and rate, number of visits included, re-treatment terms, guarantee period, exclusions, contract length and cancellation terms, and total annual cost.

Preparing the home. Ask the company for their written prep list and follow it exactly — incomplete prep is a common reason treatments fail. Expect instructions on food, dishes, pets, laundry, access to closets and wall voids, and where people can be during and after treatment.

After treatment. Get the service report listing what was applied where. Note the re-entry time. Diary the follow-up visit. Keep the label copy and the guarantee document with your house records.

How to choose

Ask to see the license, every time

EPA's guidance is explicit about this, and about contacting your state pesticide regulatory agency if you have doubts.

Check complaints before you book

Your state pesticide regulatory agency or local consumer office keeps records. It takes one phone call.

Get the guarantee terms in writing

Length, what triggers free re-treatment, what voids it. Verbal guarantees aren't guarantees.

Do the prep properly

Especially for bed bugs and roaches. Half-done prep wastes the treatment and your money.

Keep a treatment log

Date, product, areas, applicator. Useful for follow-up, disputes and at resale.