For many of us, spotting a spider or handling a pet‘s flea problem doesn’t call for outside help. But for more serious infestations, professional intervention is always the best choice. As with many others, though, the pest control industry suffers from its con artists. The market has been inundated with pest control scams. This is why it’s so important to know what to look out for when hiring a pest controller. Here are some of the most common schemes con artists will use to rip you off.
Pest Control Scams With Contracts
An unassuming or naïve customer may fall for the contract scam. As pest control scams go, this can be one of the nastiest. It all starts off well with you contacting a company and receiving an affordable estimate. The exterminator will visit your property and carry out the job that needs doing. But once the job is done, that very same pest controller will convince you that more treatments will be needed.
Now don’t get this part wrong. Some pests do need multiple treatments to eradicate them fully. However, when this is part of a pest control scam, it’s different. The exterminator will turn round and tell you to enter into an unnecessary contract to ensure complete pest eradication. To add even more insult to injury, they may also put in the small print that at the end of the contract it will renew automatically.
Being tied into a self-renewing contract is one of the worst pest control scams. It’s easy to feel pressured into signing these kinds of things. Especially in high stress situations like pest infestations. You should normally only need one or two rounds of pest control for most infestations. If you do need more, your pest technician should be able to give you a very good reason for it. Never feel pressured into signing a contract.
Non-Licensed Technicians
Another of the pest control scams you could fall victim to, is the non-licensed pest controller. In this scenario, you get in touch with a pest company, and for the initial visit they send out a licensed technician. This is required by law, as pest controllers have to have the right training and licensing to carry out their job. Remember that exterminators use incredibly dangerous chemicals. So not being licensed to use them can be one of the worst and most harmful pest control scams.
Once you’ve had the initial visit and agree to a pest control treatment, the company send out a different technician to your property. Because he’s dressed in the same uniform, and has the van, you assume he is licensed and competent to do the job. Until the pests don’t end up disappearing.
Here’s where the scam comes in. Some companies only need one licensed professional to be able to trade. Scam pest controllers have that one employee based at their main location who is always available to do the first consultations. After that, they send out any Tom, Dick or Harry to do the work. This is why it’s so important to see each technician‘s license and training documentation when they turn up. If they can’t provide it, show them the door!
Free Inspections Door To Door
As pest control scams go, this starts out quite innocently – but ends up being catastrophic. Not only in terms of the pest problem, but on your wallet too. If you have a minor pest control problem in your home, you may feel relieved when pest control shows up at your door. These ‘pros’ inspect your property for free. Then, all of a sudden, you‘re told your home is infested by every pest known to man. This is a huge problem with door to door pest scammers. They claim to do inspections, then concoct a whole host of fictional pest issues. Some of these con men will even plant pests in your home!
Never take someone’s word for it who just shows up at the door. Reach out to another, reputable local pest control company like Empire and get another opinion.
Dodgy Green Pest Control
Green and organic are definite buzz words, being synonymous with a healthy lifestyle. This is why many pest control scammers will include this word as part of their advertising. In reality, these con artists aren’t applying organic or green treatments. Instead, they’re using the same chemicals as every other regular pest company. If the organic route is something you want to explore, make sure to do your research before hiring anybody.
Hire Someone With Testimonials
You might not know who to trust with so many con men around. You may need immediate help and support. One way you can ensure you choose a genuine pest control company is to read their reviews. For example, Empire Pest Control have a great reputation for treating infestations and controlling unwanted pests throughout London.
Our customers have left us scores of testimonials to say that we trustworthy and efficient. Simply read all our excellent reviews on CheckATrade to see for yourself.
To add reassurance, you can find us registered with the BPCA. We are also accredited by SAFECONTRACTOR and SAFE4SITE. Contact us if you have a pest infestation of any kind. We are on call 24 hours a day. Our customer service team are available to offer you advice and information on anything you need clarifying on 0203 633 2143. And if you have been approached by any pest control outfit that doesn’t feel quite right, we are happy to give you a second opinion you can rely on.
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