Pest control services not above being bugged with questions

Many are excited for warm weather. It’s perfect for cookouts and lounging around outside, but it’s also the perfect weather for pests. If you notice you have a pest problem (insects or rodents), you may want to call an exterminator to handle it before it gets out of control so you can relax and enjoy a bug-free summer.

Last year, the Better Business Bureau received nearly 6,100 inquiries about pest control services in the Miami Valley. Already this year, there have been more than 1,800 inquiries about the industry locally.

When looking for a pest control service to get rid of unwanted guests from your house, it’s important to hire someone you trust. Better Business Bureau offers these tips for hiring a pest control service:

■ Ask friends and family for recommendations.

■ Get references and call them to ask about their experience.

■ Check the internet for reviews and customer complaints.

■ Get estimates from three different pest control companies.

■ Consider reputation and experience.

■ Be sure exterminators are licensed, registered and insured as appropriate.

■ Talk with the exterminator to discuss exactly what the problem is, share where and what you’ve seen or heard and ask probing questions to ensure he or she fully understands the pest problem.

■ Make sure you tell the exterminator beforehand if there are children or pets in your home so he or she uses products safe for your environment.

■ Ask about warranties/guarantees and understand what is covered, how long it lasts and what you must do to keep it in force.

■ Get everything in writing (contract, verbal promises and guarantees/warranties). The contract should include the type of pest being exterminated, extent of infestation and the work necessary to solve problems. Be sure you understand the contract before signing.

Beware of companies that offer too-good-to-be-true bargains. Likewise, be wary of contractors claiming they’ll spray your home for free so you can try them out. Then, they make you sign a contract that actually is a one-year agreement for services. In addition, look out for pest control services claiming they just treated your neighbor’s house and claim they need to spray yours because the bugs have come over to your house.

Also, do what you can on your own to avoid problems. For instance, check screens for holes, check windows and doors for gaps, clean up after pets and tidy your home.