Bed Bug Exterminator

Questions to Ask a Bed Bug Exterminator

1. Ask for bed bug related customer references.  Those that don't have them should be crossed off your list.  Ask for customer phone numbers and names.
2. Ask if the company is a member of a national, state or local association of pest control experts.
3. Confirm that the company is licensed in the State or Area you live.
4. Confirm that the company has specific bed bug experience and ask them to describe their approach.  For example some companies use freezing or heat to kill bed bugs (steam or forced hot air), others use bed bug dogs to sniff them out (a very effective approach for confirming an infestation).  If they use a dog, be sure you are home to visually confirm the presence of bed bugs after the dog finds some.  
5. Only trust companies that insist on an inspection.  Pricing should be baaed on the results of the inspection as not every bed bug problem is the same.  For example,  an infestation could be limited to one room, or be present in multiple rooms.  Reject flat fee plans as you will either be over paying, or under treating your home.
6. When you agree on a price get it in writing.  Don't cut corners.  This can be expensive, since treatment might take two people an entire day.  
7. Ask if the treatment is guaranteed.  It often takes 2 to 3 visits to be completely rid of a bed bug problem.  The reason is that late hatching eggs are often missed, since they are so small and hard to spot.
8. During the bed bug inspection, as the bedbug exterminator to point out hiding places.  Work with the inspector to determine the best treatment approach, particularly in children's bed rooms or where there are pets.  
   

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