Consumer Tips
Consumer
Tips on Purchasing Pest Control Services
Florida's temperate climate
provides the perfect breeding ground for thousands of
insects and rodents. That's why the pest control
industry here is one of the nation's largest. Before
you buy pest control services, here are some things
you need to know!
How is the
Pest Control Industry Regulated?
The Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) licenses
pest control operators and regulates the application
of pesticides and services related to general
household pest control, lawn and ornamental treatment
and termites and other wood destroying organisms.
Operators must pass a written examination and get
continuing education each year.
What Pest Control
Services Do I Need?
That depends on the
nature of your pest problem. Household and yard pests
are often treated on an annual contract, requiring
monthly or quarterly visits or a one-time treatment
with an annual guarantee. Programs that include the
application of materials and products at regular
intervals may be unnecessary if no infestations
exist, however. Also, problems generally arise in the
warmer and more humid months of the year (nearly all
here in Florida).
It is always a wise idea to get
more than one quote for any service, and pest control
is no exception. It might be a good idea to get the
treatment plan in writing. The company can explain
the nature of your pest problem and how it will be
treated.
If the pests in question are
termites, there are several options available, but
the treatments are likely to be more expensive.
How Important is the
Initial Termite Pre-Treatment of My Home?
If you are considering
building a new home, the termite pre-treatment is not
the place to scrimp. New construction requires that a
chemical soil treatment be made to create a barrier
to termite infestation between the soil and the
structure. Termiticides, pesticides that specifically
combat termites, come with labeled instructions which
clearly set forth the amount of chemical needed and
the procedures to follow for an effective treatment.
Building contractors and consumers should verify that
the pest control operator applies the termite
treatment in accordance with those instructions.
Building contractors should be
especially careful not to disrupt the chemical
barrier once it is established. If the area is
compromised, it must be re-treated prior to
proceeding with construction. Soil, mulch and bedding
materials should not come in contact with wood or
stucco home exteriors. Additionally, builders and
consumers can obtain termite services from companies
which provide a minimum five-year guarantee for their
work. The guarantee can cover the re-treatment or for
an additional cost can cover repair to the home as
well as re-treatment.
What Do I Need to
Know About My Termite Contract?
You should carefully
examine all pest control contacts to determine the
type of coverage provided, provisions and
limitations. Some termite treatment contracts offer
guarantees to treat infestations and to repair
damages, others only agree to re-treat an infested
home. In some cases, companies have refused to pay
for repairs claiming that the damage existed prior to
the contract being signed. So, before you sign, you
should have the company clearly identify any
preexisting damage that would not be covered under
the contract's repair guarantee if applicable.
How Frequent Should
Termite Inspections Be?
When you are
negotiating your contract, you should ask about the
frequency and scope of home inspections connected
with any guarantees provided. Most experts recommend
comprehensive annual inspections of all areas both
inside and outside the structure -- assuring that
problems are detected early.
Can the Pest Control
Company Cancel My Contract?
Some contracts
contain clauses that allow the pest control company
to cancel a contract after the first year. Others
allow cancellation after five years. Make sure your
contract covers adequate guarantees for specific
periods of time. Remodeling your home or adding a
pool or deck structure can also be grounds for
cancellation if the pest control company is not
informed. And don't forget to pay your annual
premiums, because nonpayment will void a contract.
How Can I Find a
Reputable Pest Control Company?
Ask relatives, friends
or neighbors for recommendations. Make sure any pest
control company you contact has an up-to-date
license. Check the company's professional
affiliations like the Florida Pest Management Association and status with the Better Business
Bureau. Remember, you get what you pay for, and like
all other services, good quality work may cost a
little more. Buy value, not price.
How Can I Get My
Questions Answered & How Can I File a Complaint?
The Department of
Agriculture & Consumer Service's Bureau of
Entomology & Pest Control regulates the pest
control industry in Florida. If you have a question
or complaint about pest control regulations, you can
call the Bureau at the following locations:
Boyton Beach
407/736-5226Jacksonville
904/798-4613
Orlando
407/317-7320
|
Fort Myers
941/278-7200Miami
305/377-5968
Tampa
813/871-7020
|
Gainesville
352/955-2271Marianna
904/482-9198
|
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