(1) Try not to store items next to your home that remain unmoved for long periods of time (wood piles, boxes, mulch, etc). This provides shelter for a number of pests. It also makes it difficult for your pest control tech to effectively apply materials next to the structure.
(2) Clean gutters and eliminate piles of lumber and/or debris where cockroaches can harbor.
(3) Do not allow pet food to sit out over night.
(4) When a pest control company provides service, make sure the service includes work outside and inside every time, (there might be some exceptions to this for occupants that may have a sensitivity to certain indoor treatments). No shortcuts.
(5) Holes or cracks larger than one-quarter of an inch in your home should be stuffed with steel wool and then sealed with caulk or foam.
(6) Be aware of pest control companies that recommend only “minimum standard treatments.” We recommend Comprehensive Termite Treatment plans.
(7) Look for Termite-Pest Control companies that have “no deductible” on termite repair coverage.
(8) All pests need water. Repair any leaks or moisture issues in and around your home.
(9) Ask the contractor for customer references who have had work performed similar to yours.
(10) Use a well known and reputable company who you can always find in the future, or able to easily contact for any reason. You want an established company with an office that you can go to, if you ever need personal contact. Check out the address of the contractor and see how long they have been in the area.
(11) Termite infestations in our area, while common, only result in significant structural damage if ignored for several years. Most homes can be adequately protected with a complete inspection every 3 to 5 years, then following the recommended treatments and repair recommendations by the licensed termite inspector.
(12) Comparison shopping should be based on reputation, reliability, experience and price ‘value’, not just the lowest price of all proposals presented.
(13) Require that any pest control company representative (regardless of service category) consulting with you on your job, service or project, completely understand every detail about their product and services, product features and benefits, installation specifications, warranty information and the like.