5 questions you need to ask when choosing a pest control company for your home

Question 1: Are you licensed in New Jersey, and what's your license number?

New Jersey requires pest control businesses and the people who apply pesticides to be licensed through the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's pesticide program. Wildlife work such as trapping and removing animals has its own rules and permits. Ask for the license number and make sure it's printed on the estimate or the company's website.

A good answer: the company gives you the number right away, and the technician coming to your home is trained and certified to apply what they're using.

Also ask about insurance. A professional company should be able to show proof of liability insurance if you ask. It protects you if something in your home is damaged during the work.

Red flag: “We don't need a license for that” or “I'll get you the number later.” Unlicensed applicators may not know the label rules for the products they use — and the label is the law.

Question 3: What products will you use, and is it safe for my kids and pets?

This is the question families ask most, and it deserves a real answer. No responsible company will tell you a product is “100% safe” — but a good one will tell you what they're applying, where, and exactly what you need to do: whether anyone has to leave, how long to keep kids and pets off a treated area, and what to put away first.

• Ask where it goes. Baits placed in cracks and inside stations, or treatments into wall voids, put far less product in your living space than a broad spray.
• Ask about the label. You can ask for the product name so you can read its label and safety information yourself.
• Tell them about special cases — infants, pregnancy, asthma, fish tanks, birds and reptiles, which can be more sensitive than cats and dogs.

For more, see our page on pet-safe pest control in NJ.

Question 5: What happens if the pests come back?

Some pests are a one-and-done job. Many aren't. Roach eggs hatch after the first treatment, mice find a new gap, and bed bugs hide in places that take a second visit to reach. A good company tells you up front what to expect after the first visit and what it will do if you still see activity.

• Ask what “guaranteed” means. Is it a re-treatment at no charge, a refund, or something else? For how long? Get it in writing.
• Ask what they need from you. Most warranties depend on the customer doing their part — cleaning, decluttering, fixing a leak. A company should tell you this before you pay, not after.
• Ask about prevention. The best answer to “what if they come back?” is “here's what we'll do so they don't” — sealing, moisture fixes and, for some homes, recurring service.

See why roaches keep coming back and how to keep mice out of your house for two common examples.

How Silver Bullet Pest Control answers these questions

We'd rather you ask than wonder. Here's where we stand:

Learn more about our residential pest control or read common pest control questions in New Jersey.