Due to the resurgence of bed bug infestations in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission has recently issued an alert to consumers about a variety of important bed bug issues. The alert aims to advise consumers to be wary of some pest control professionals which are making unrealistic claims about their ability to provide bed bug eradication services.
The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers that are hiring a professional exterminator to:
• Confirm that the pest in question is indeed a bed bug and not another type of insect.
• Be wary of uninvited pest control professionals who offer a free inspection.
• Only use a pest control professional that is experienced in bed bug eradication services.
• Only hire a licensed pest control company.
• Choosing a company solely based upon the least expensive bid is not always the best option for bed bug treatments. The quality of service is important.
• Obtain estimates from several pest control companies before signing a contract for services.
• Ask others who have had bed bug services for references.
• Obtain and read the details of the work plan, and the number of visits that will be anticipated to eradicate the pests, prior to signing a contract.
• Obtain a written inspection report with instructions on how to prepare for bed bug treatment.
• Obtain information on how to prevent further bed bug infestations.
• If a written guarantee of services is given, check for what it covers.
The FTC also advises consumers to read the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety”, which also provides useful information on how to choose the correct pest control professional.
Allison Pest Control understands the complexity involved with treating bed bug infestations. If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation at your home, apartment complex, or business, we will gladly send one of our trained technicians to properly identify the problem pest and devise a proper course of preparation and treatment to eradicate the bugs. You will find that each of the employees at Allison Pest Control will work hard to solve your pest control problem with speed and efficiency.