When it comes to pest control, a good contract with the right pest control company protects both you and your property.
Let’s look at the warning signs you should watch for before signing on the dotted line.
Nothing in Writing
If the company doesn’t offer a contract, service report, or treatment plan, walk away. A proper contract should include:
- The specific pests being treated
- Methods and products used
- Application rates and frequency
- Safety precautions
- Total cost and payment terms
- Any guarantees offered
Without these details in writing, you have no protection if something goes wrong.
No Multiple-Visit Commitment
If a company only offers to visit your property once, that’s a major warning sign. For example, mosquito treatments typically last around 30 days, meaning you need ongoing applications throughout the season for continuous protection.
A legitimate contract will outline a schedule of visits based on the specific pest problem you’re facing. Without this commitment, you’re likely to see pests return soon after treatment.
Auto-Renewal Traps
Year-long service contracts that automatically renew without clear notification are problematic. Many homeowners get trapped in these agreements and continue paying for services they no longer need or use.
A fair contract will clearly state:
- The exact renewal date
- How to cancel service
- Any fees associated with early termination
- The notification process before automatic renewal
Always read the fine print about renewal policies before signing.
No Free Re-treatments
What happens if pests return after treatment? A reputable company stands behind their work with a guarantee. If the contract doesn’t include free re-treatments when pests persist after the initial service, the company might not be confident in their methods.
This shows both a lack of faith in their services and an unwillingness to prioritize customer satisfaction. Quality pest control operators include this protection as standard.
Vague or Missing Guarantee Terms
Speaking of guarantees, check what they actually cover. The contract should specify:
- Exactly what pests are covered under the guarantee
- How long the guarantee lasts
- What remedial actions the company will take
- Whether structural damage is covered (especially for termites)
- If there are yearly inspection charges
Remember, a guarantee is only as reliable as the company that offers it.
No Inspection Before Quoting
Be wary of companies that provide quotes without thoroughly inspecting your property first. Effective pest control requires understanding the specific conditions of your home and the extent of the infestation.
If the contract is based on a “standard treatment” rather than your actual needs, you might end up paying for unnecessary services or, worse, not properly addressing your pest problem.
Insistence on Immediate Signing
High-pressure tactics to get you to sign a contract immediately should raise red flags. This often happens with companies that:
- Claim they found insects in your neighbor’s house as evidence of a neighborhood problem
- Suggest your house is structurally unsound and may collapse if not treated right away
- Offer special pricing only if you sign that day
- Claim to have leftover materials from a previous job
Take your time to review contracts and get multiple estimates.
Unusually Low Pricing
While everyone loves a good deal, dramatically lower prices than other quotes often signal poor service quality or hidden fees. The contract might not mention additional costs that will appear later, or the company might use diluted or ineffective products.
A legitimate contract will break down all costs clearly and explain what you’re getting for your money.
No Clear Details on Products Used
Proper pest control contracts specify what products will be used in your home. This information is crucial for:
- Health and safety considerations
- Pet and child safety
- Environmental impact
- Effectiveness against specific pests
If the contract uses vague terms like “industry standard treatments” without specifics, the company might be using questionable products or methods.
Missing Licenses and Insurance Information
The contract should include their license number and proof of insurance. This protects you if accidents or property damage occur during treatment. Without this information, you could be liable for injuries on your property or damage caused by improper application of pest control products.
What to Look for Instead
A good pest control contract will:
- Include comprehensive inspection reports
- Specify the frequency of visits
- Offer a clear guarantee with reasonable terms
- Outline specific treatments for identified pests
- Provide license and insurance details
- Include free re-treatments if pests return
- Clearly state all costs with no hidden fees
- Offer flexibility on continuation or cancellation
When reviewing contracts, take your time, ask questions about anything unclear, and don’t hesitate to request modifications to terms that seem unfair.
Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Focus on finding a pest control expert who offers fair terms, stands behind their work, and has the proper credentials to safely and effectively handle your pest problem.
