15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Exterminator in Idaho

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Questions About Licensing and Insurance

• "Are you licensed to perform pest control in Idaho?" - Idaho requires pest control companies to hold valid licenses. Ask for the license number and verify it with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
• "Do you carry liability insurance?" - Insurance protects you if the technician damages your property or if treatments cause unexpected problems. Ask for proof of coverage.
• "Are your technicians certified and trained?" - Beyond company licensing, individual technicians should receive ongoing training. Ask about their certification process and continuing education.

Questions About Pricing and Contracts

• "What is your total price for initial and ongoing service?" - Get specific numbers. Green Guard is transparent: $49 for initial service, $119 per quarter for ongoing protection.
• "Are there any additional fees I should know about?" - Ask about emergency fees, weekend surcharges, pest-specific upcharges, and cancellation penalties.
• "Do you require a contract? What are the terms?" - Some companies lock you into long-term contracts with steep cancellation fees. Understand the commitment before signing.
• "What happens if I need service between scheduled visits?" - Quality companies offer free re-service. Others charge for every callback.
• "Do you charge for estimates or inspections?" - Reputable companies provide quotes without charge. Inspection fees are a red flag.

Questions About Service and Coverage

• "What pests does your service cover?" - Some plans cover only specific pests. Others, like Green Guard, cover 30+ pests under one price. Know exactly what is included.
• "What areas of my home do you treat?" - Comprehensive service includes interior and exterior treatment, perimeter barriers, and attention to entry points and harborage areas.
• "How long does each treatment take?" - Rushed treatments often miss critical areas. Thorough service takes 30-60 minutes depending on home size.
• "What should I do to prepare for treatment?" - Companies should provide clear preparation instructions. Complex or burdensome prep requirements may indicate overly aggressive chemical use.
• "How soon can I expect to see results?" - Set realistic expectations. Some pests die within hours; others (like ants with colony-targeting baits) take days to weeks for full elimination.

Questions About Guarantees

• "Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?" - Quality companies stand behind their work. Ask exactly what the guarantee covers and what actions they take if you are not satisfied.
• "If pests return between treatments, do you come back free?" - Free re-service is the industry standard for reputable companies. Charging for callbacks is a red flag.
• "How quickly do you respond to guarantee claims?" - A guarantee is only valuable if the company honors it promptly. Same-day or next-day response shows commitment.
• "Are there any conditions that void the guarantee?" - Some guarantees have excessive exclusions. Read the fine print and ask for clarification on anything unclear.

Questions About Products and Safety

• "What products do you use?" - Technicians should be able to name specific products and explain why they use them. Vague answers suggest lack of knowledge or transparency.
• "Are your treatments safe for children and pets?" - Modern pest control uses targeted applications that are safe when dry. Ask for specific safety guidance.
• "How long until treated areas are safe to touch?" - Most treatments dry within 1-2 hours. Get specific guidance for your situation.
• "Do you offer eco-friendly or reduced-chemical options?" - If this matters to you, ask. Some companies offer green alternatives, though they may be less effective for certain pests.
• "Will you provide Safety Data Sheets for products used?" - Professional companies should provide SDS documents upon request. This shows transparency about what enters your home.

Questions About Experience and Local Knowledge

• "How long have you been serving the Boise/Treasure Valley area?" - Local experience matters. Companies new to Idaho may not understand our specific pest pressures.
• "What are the most common pest problems you see in my neighborhood?" - Knowledgeable technicians can discuss neighborhood-specific issues. Generic answers suggest lack of local expertise.
• "Will I have the same technician for each visit?" - Consistent technicians learn your property and spot changes. High turnover disrupts service quality.
• "Are you locally owned or part of a national chain?" - Local ownership often means more accountability and responsiveness to community needs.
• "Can you provide references from customers in my area?" - Established companies should have satisfied customers willing to vouch for them.

How Green Guard Answers These Questions

• Licensing - Fully licensed in Idaho with trained, certified technicians
• Pricing - Transparent: $49 initial service, $119 quarterly, no hidden fees
• Contracts - No long-term contracts, cancel anytime
• Coverage - 30+ pests covered under one plan, interior and exterior treatment
• Guarantee - Free re-service if pests return between quarterly visits
• Products - Modern, family-safe products with targeted application
• Experience - Local Treasure Valley company with neighborhood-specific knowledge
• Response time - Same-day service available for urgent situations