15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Pest Control

Hiring the wrong pest control company can mean wasted money, a problem that never actually gets solved, or worse, unlicensed work with no recourse if something goes wrong. These 15 questions cover the essentials — licensing, insurance, guarantees, chemicals, and pricing — so you walk into the conversation prepared.

Ask this before all 15: do you handle my pest?

Before you get into licensing or pricing, make sure you're even talking to the right kind of company. Across 18,941 calls from homeowners to pest control companies between January and July 2026, spanning 13 pest control companies, general bug work was widely available: only 3.8% of cockroach calls and 3.8% of rodent calls reached a company that doesn't do that work. Specialty trades were much spottier. Wildlife calls landed at a company that doesn't do wildlife work 19.3% of the time, wasp and hornet calls 11.2%, termite calls 10.6%, and bed bug calls 10.3%.

So if you're dealing with bats, termites, bed bugs, or a hornet nest, open with it: "Do you handle bats?" It takes ten seconds and saves you from describing your whole problem to someone who was never going to be able to help.

Is the company properly licensed?

1. What's your state pest control license number?

Every state requires pest control operators to be licensed, and legitimate companies will give you this number without hesitation. You can usually verify it through your state's department of agriculture or pesticide regulatory office. If a company dodges this question or claims licensing "doesn't apply" to them, walk away.

2. Are the technicians who show up licensed or certified, or just the company?

In many states, both the business and the individual applicator need certification. Ask specifically whether the technician coming to your home is licensed, not just the office you're calling.

Is the company insured?

3. Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance?

This protects you if a technician is injured on your property or if something gets damaged during treatment. Ask for proof of insurance, not just a verbal yes.

4. What happens if my property is damaged during treatment?

A legitimate company should have a clear process for handling damage claims. Get this in writing before treatment begins, not after something goes wrong.

What does the guarantee actually cover?

5. What's covered under your service guarantee?

Guarantees vary widely. Some cover free re-treatments if pests return within a set window; others are limited or don't apply to certain pests. Get the specifics — not just "we guarantee our work."

6. How long does the guarantee last, and what voids it?

Ask about the time window and any conditions that could void coverage, like skipping a recommended follow-up or not addressing a moisture problem the inspector flagged.

7. What happens if the pest control doesn't work the first time?

Find out whether re-treatment is free, discounted, or billed as a new service. This is one of the most important questions since recurring problems are common with certain pests.

What chemicals and methods will they use?

8. What products do you plan to use, and are they EPA-registered?

You don't need a chemistry lesson, but you deserve to know generally what's being applied in your home, especially if you have kids, pets, or health sensitivities. A trustworthy technician can explain this in plain language.

9. Is the treatment safe for my pets and kids, and when can we go back into treated areas?

Ask for specific reentry times for each treated area. This is basic safety information any company should provide clearly, and it's worth writing down.

10. Do you offer non-chemical or lower-impact treatment options?

Many companies offer options like baiting, traps, or exclusion work (sealing entry points) that reduce chemical use. Ask what's available for your specific situation.

How does pricing work?

11. Is this a one-time treatment or does it require a contract?

Get clear on whether you're paying for a single visit or signing up for recurring service. Read our guide on pest control contracts explained before signing anything long-term.

12. What's included in the quoted price, and what could cost extra?

Ask about follow-up visits, additional treatments for a worsening problem, or travel fees. A detailed, itemized quote is a good sign; a vague flat number is not.

13. Can I get the quote in writing before you start?

Never agree to work based on a verbal price alone. A written quote protects you if there's a dispute later.

What should you ask about the process itself?

14. What should I do to prepare my home before treatment, and what should I do afterward?

Good technicians will walk you through prep steps and after-care instructions, since your follow-through affects how well the treatment works. See our guide on how to get the best results from professional pest control for what that typically involves.

15. How many visits will this take, and what happens at each one?

Some pests, like termites or bed bugs, need multiple visits by nature. Understand the full timeline up front rather than being surprised by follow-up costs later.

One thing companies will ask you: whether you own the property. It's not nosiness — nobody can treat, seal, or drill into a home without the owner's approval. In the calls we looked at, confirmed homeowners ended up with an appointment 36.0% of the time. When the caller wasn't the owner, that dropped to 17.8%. So if you rent, loop in your landlord or property manager first, and if you're calling on behalf of a parent or a rental you own with someone else, be ready to say who signs off on the work.

When to call a professional

If you've tried store-bought sprays or traps and the problem keeps coming back, or you're dealing with termites, bed bugs, rodents, or a stinging insect nest, it's time to bring in a licensed pro. These situations tend to involve infestations rather than isolated pests, and mishandling them — especially termites or bed bugs — can make the problem worse or spread it further.

How do you know if a company is legit before you even call?

A quick gut check before you dial: look for a real physical address, a state license number listed on their website, and reviews that mention specific technicians or services rather than generic praise. Our guide on how to vet a pest control company goes deeper into background checks you can do in a few minutes. If something about a quote or a sales pitch feels off, cross-reference it against our pest control scams and red flags guide before you commit.

Not sure exactly what kind of service you need yet? Our pest control service types explained guide breaks down the difference between general pest control, termite treatment, and specialty services so you know what to ask for.

Our guides are informational and general in nature. They are not legal, insurance, financial or real-estate advice. Costs shown are typical published industry ranges and vary by region, property size and severity — always get a quote for your own home.