Common Exterminator Scams to Watch Out For
Bugs, insects, rodents and other critters inside your home can cause a lot of damage and breed like crazy. Wanting to avoid a serious pest infestation is a given. To be sure all pests are removed from your property, the best approach is to call in the professionals, rather than trying to take on the problem yourself.
However, it’s important that you do some research before hiring an exterminator to take care of your pest problem, because scams are an unfortunate problem in this industry. Need tips to spot a fake? Below are the most common scams pulled by untrustworthy pest control companies in Butte County, CA.
Scam #1: Free inspection
While some types of businesses offer legitimate free consultations for their services, usually it’s the potential client who sets up the appointment. In the case of the “free inspection scam,” though, scammers solicit in neighborhoods and will offer homeowners a free pest inspection. You won’t be asked if you want one—instead, it will be presented to you as an “amazing free offer.” When a homeowner agrees, a scammer will claim to have found evidence of pests, even though there are none. Some scammers even go as far as sprinkling signs of pests on floors so they have something to point out. The takeaway here is to never hire an exterminator who just shows up at your door. Ask them to leave or ask for their business card and, if you are interested in pest control services, check them out online later.
Scam #2: Technician switch
Unfortunately, some companies that may seem to be reputable are actually scam pest control operations. Because every state has laws concerning pest extermination and who is certified to spray pesticides, scammers will have a licensed technician on their team whose role is to put the victim’s mind at ease early on. This means you may see a real company license before signing a service agreement, but then a different technician shows up the day of your appointment to do the work. They have the uniform, truck and business card, so you go with it. They act like they are performing a service and then leave your property, but won’t actually do anything about your pest problem.
Scam #3: Auto contract renewal setup
One of the worst pest control scams out there is known as the permanent contract scam. It goes like this: You contact a professional, get an estimate and the job gets done. However, soon after spraying or removal, the technician tells you he must come back again to ensure complete pest elimination. The technician puts an annual contract in front of you to sign, informing you that it may renew automatically at the end of the year if the pests are still in your house. Don’t feel pressured to sign anything, especially if the renewal contract was never mentioned before now.
It’s important to watch out for these scams and others when researching pest control companies in Butte County, CA to hire. Doing so can prevent headaches and keep a simple pest problem from turning into a serious pest infestation. For the most reliable pest control services around, don’t wait to contact the professionals at Hobbs Pest Solutions. Reach out to schedule an appointment today!