Looking for the best exterminator in Tacoma, WA? With so many pest control companies to choose from, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming. Flip through the phone book, search online, or ask your Tacoma neighborhood group, and you’ll find no shortage of recommendations. But with so many options, how do you narrow down the field and find the perfect match?
Here’s how to make sure you choose the most reliable and effective pest control in Tacoma
How much do pest control services cost in Tacoma?
Pest control pricing can be all over the place, and it’s not always clear what you’re really paying for. To make sure you’re getting the best value for your money, you need to look beyond the initial price tag.
Plenty of Tacoma pest control companies lure customers in with low-cost initial treatments, only to bump up the price for ongoing services. So before you commit, make sure you’re calculating the real cost over time. Ask yourself:
- What are the monthly or quarterly costs? A cheap first visit doesn’t mean much if the follow-up treatments cost a fortune.
- What’s included in the ongoing maintenance plan? Are they offering comprehensive coverage, or will you be hit with extra charges for specific pests?
- How does the annual cost add up? Add the cost of your initial service to the ongoing maintenance fees to get a clear picture of what you’re actually paying over the year.
When comparing pest control treatments in Tacoma, transparency matters. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples by factoring in everything from coverage and follow-ups to potential hidden fees.
Will it cost extra to call a technician out to my home before my scheduled service?
Some pest control companies in Tacoma will charge you every time a technician comes out between scheduled visits. Others, however, offer complimentary follow-up services to make sure your pest problem is handled effectively.
Free visits between paid treatments motivate technicians to get the job done right the first time. It also means your ant, rodent, or spider issue gets resolved faster. When comparing Tacoma pest control services, always ask if extra visits come with an added cost. Knowing upfront can save you from surprise fees down the road.
What pests are covered in my service agreement?
Many pest control companies will provide service on an à la carte basis, charging per pest that is treated. However, some pest professionals in Tacoma will cover many or all types of pests on the same service agreement without charging any more money.
There can be a tremendous difference in value from one company to the next. Ask what pests are included and which ones aren’t!
Am I locked into a lengthy contract?
Most pest control companies in Tacoma won’t do business with you unless you sign a year-long contract, but a handful of them will gladly provide services on a month-to-month basis without making you sign an ongoing agreement. Be sure to read the fine print!
How soon can the company come out to my home?
When you have a pest problem, waiting a week or two for the exterminator to come out is not acceptable. Many companies simply aren’t adequately staffed and are unable to respond in a timely fashion. Would you want to wait a whole week while bugs or rodents multiply in your home?
If you would like your pest issue solved sooner rather than later, look for those companies that have a same-day service guarantee.
Will the company provide me with an inspection prior to giving me a proposal?
There is no way to develop an effective plan that fits your unique situation without first knowing all the specific details. Finding and understanding pest entry points, harborage areas, food and water sources, conducive conditions, and other factors are absolutely necessary for effective integrated pest management Tacoma.
Top-notch exterminators will gather all this information and provide you with an all-encompassing solution. Demand a thorough inspection from your pest control company before the proposal!
What kind of warranty does the company have?
It’s important for any business to stand behind the work that they do. The mark of an exceptional pest control company isn’t whether or not they make mistakes; it’s what they do when mistakes happen.
Ask about the warranty. Don’t just ask if there is a warranty; ask how long the warranty is, and what it covers. Some warranties vary depending on the pest being treated. For example, termite control might come with a five-year warranty, while bed bug treatments could only be covered for 30 days. The more questions you ask, the better prepared you’ll be to choose the right company.
Do some background research!
If you want to choose a reputable pest control company, here are some great resources throughout the State of Washington, Pierce County, and the City of Tacoma:
- The State can tell you if the company is licensed, bonded, and insured.
- The Washington State Department of Agriculture regulates the pest control industry and can tell you if an exterminator has been in trouble for violating pesticide regulations.
- Pierce County has resources detailing any litigation a company may have been involved in.
- Is your pest professional licensed to do business in the City of Tacoma specifically? Pest control businesses must be licensed separately in every municipality in which they want to do business; contact Tacoma officials and confirm.
Check online reviews!
Google reviews are a great place to get unbiased feedback from current and former customers. The pest control industry is service-based, so lots of people take the time to leave reviews.
Remember you can’t make everybody happy all the time; read reviews carefully and try to look for patterns of positive or negative feedback.
Take a peek at their website.
A well-written and informative website can speak volumes about a company. A pest control company’s website should tell you almost everything you need to know about whatever pest you’re dealing with. Typical issues in the Tacoma area include sugar ants, carpenter ants, rats, mice, spiders, roaches, and bed bugs, so any quality pest control website should provide detailed information on these pests.
Sentinel Pest Control: Your Choice for Pest Control in Tacoma, WA
The people of Tacoma are extremely lucky to have a great group of pest control professionals to choose from. But if you want a company that’s truly invested in the community and committed to delivering top-quality service, Sentinel Pest Control is a standout choice.
Locally owned and operated since 1998, Sentinel Pest Control has been serving the Puget Sound area with passion and dedication for over 20 years. What started as a husband-and-wife team with a commitment to exceptional service has grown into an industry leader known for hiring and training the best technicians around.
Sentinel’s commitment to the community goes beyond pest control. We actively partner with local charities and even offer free pest control services to families in need through our in-house donation program. When you choose Sentinel Pest Control, you’re choosing a team that cares about your home and your community.
Ready to work with the best? Contact Sentinel Pest Control today to experience exceptional pest control service from a company that always puts quality and community first.