Bed bug exterminators are often called when the infestation has grown out of control, and the homeowner is beginning to panic and the most vulnerable. Unfortunately, at this point, most people don’t bother reading the contract and just figure hiring a professional will solve the problem – NOT so fast!
Professional pest control is not cheap, and you’ll be hard pressed to find any company that guarantees the successful elimination of bed bugs.
You’ll likely find yourself signing a contract guaranteeing that nothing is guaranteed, even your health! So I’ve listed the five things your bed bug exterminator may not tell you that you should know.
1) You’ll do the hard part!
Did you think that hiring a pest control company would make this easy on you? Think again! You are expected to do all the prep work before the exterminator gets there and before every follow-up treatment. Then, you’ll be asked to sign an agreement stating that you did everything on this pre-treatment list (it’s not small!). Then, if the bed bugs come back after all the treatments, the company can point to you missing a step.
2. Exterminator isn’t Certified.
The exterminator treating your home may not be a qualified professional, and they are not easy to find. In addition, some technicians may not have the required training to recognize infestations. Therefore, always make sure you check the technician’s qualifications.
3. No Guarantee
Sign that contract, and you likely agree not to hold the pest control company responsible for injury, disease, or illness caused, or allegedly caused, by treatment. Ask the company you hire for a Material Safety Data Sheet, so you know what is at risk but don’t be surprised if they don’t show after you make that request :)
4. Even the Pros Miss Infestations
Bed bugs can go many months without feeding and hide in places you wouldn’t think of, such as electrical outlets, televisions, and even in places like this lady’s nose (that’s scary!). Even when the professional knows where to spray, it doesn’t mean he got all of them, or that one didn’t hatch and move to another location. Make sure the exterminator will come back at no cost if you spot the bed bugs still alive a few days after treatment!
5. Products are Forced on You
If the technician decides your mattress may be infested, you could be required to use their bug proof mattress cover (rather than buying your own). Being forced to spend $150 for something that should cost $40 is wrong. Same with the bags used to store clothes. You want to find an exterminator that allows you to buy your covers.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!