There are many pests for which homeowners can conduct "do it yourself" pest control. But there are situations that are more effectively handled by pest control professionals, such as most instances of termite and bed bug infestations. And there will be other times that homeowners simply prefer to hire a professional, or even contract for regular service.

So, when you do need or want to hire a professional, what can and should you expect?


Following are 10 things that you should expect from any pest control company:

1. Pre-service. If application, prior to the day of service, you should be informed of any preparation you may have to do to enable service to be performed. This could include cleaning, clearing specified areas, removing pets, storing/covering foods, planning to keep children out of the area during service, etc.
2. On-time arrival. As with any service professional a time or time range is generally scheduled for service, and you should be able to expect that the technician will arrive within a reasonable period of the scheduled time. Or, if he or she has been delayed for some reason, you should receive a phone of the delay, time of expected arrival – and the option to reschedule if that no longer fits your schedule.
3. Clean, neat appearance and equipment. Every professional should look professional and arrive in neat clothing with clean equipment. Pesticide dripping down the side of a sprayer is going to drip across your home as well.

1. Show identification. If this is the first time the technician has serviced your home (or each time if you prefer), he or she should be able to show company identification, so that you feel comfortable allowing him or her to enter your home.
2. Pre-service communication. Before beginning service, the technician should discuss the situation with you, asking: What is the pest problem for which you need service? What pests have you seen? Where have you seen them? It can be beneficial to walk with the technician to show what was seen and where. At this time, or following the next step (Inspection & Identification), the technician should communicate the treatment to made, products to be used, etc. This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have about the service and products to be used.
3. Inspection & Identification. The service professional should then conduct an inspection for the pests and pest evidence. Inspecting the sites you discussed and other areas for which the pest is likely to be prevalent and determining potential contributing or conducive conditions. The inspection should also include positive identification of the pest, in order for correct treatment to be effected. If the service technician did not discussed proposed treatment and products prior to this, or if anything found during the technician's inspection causes a change in the treatment plan, he/she should again communicate with you to explain the treatment to be performed and products to be used, and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
4. Treatment. Based on all the above, the technician will perform the applicable service, ideally conducted with on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.
5. Post-service communication/Recommendations. Once treatment has been made, the technician should again communicate with you. Telling you what has been done – where, why, and how; noting any precautions you may need to take (e.g., when pets and children may return); answering any further questions you may have; and making recommendations for any action you need to take and/or follow up to be taken. For example, if mice were the issue, the technician may recommend areas where gaps need to be sealed, screens mended, etc. – if he/she did not perform this service.
6. Service Report. In addition to verbal communication, the service technician should provide you with a service report (similar to those provided for an automotive service), noting (again) what was done where, when, how and why. It should also include contact information advised recommendations.
7. Follow up, if needed. For some pests, such as bed bugs, elimination cannot be achieved in a single visit. Thus, you should be informed of any further service that will be needed and any other follow-up that is required or recommended.