Beating a Bedbug Invasion

Oct. 25, 2010 - PRLog -- Connecticut BBB offers Tips to Find a Trustworthy Pest Control Company

Bedbugs do not discriminate.  They can be picked up virtually anywhere, from top hotels to movie theaters, clothing stores and offices, and they are willing and able to hitch a ride back home.  Getting rid of them is not impossible, however people whose dwellings are infested must act aggressively to get rid of a bedbug infestation.

A recent survey by the Pest Management Association reveals 95 percent of exterminators encountered a bedbug infestation in the past year, compared with only 25 percent of respondents a decade ago.

Business owners, homeowners and apartment dwellers must move quickly once they discover bedbugs.  Getting rid of them is a job best handled by professionals, according to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti.

“Homes and apartments can be infested by any one of a number of insects, however the bedbug pandemic is spreading quickly and these infestations can be extremely difficult to stop.”

While it is important to move fast, consumers should do their research to ensure they are enlisting the help of qualified and trustworthy pest control specialists.

A variety of bedbug pesticides is available online, however not all are safe to use on mattresses and others may not be strong enough to get the job done thoroughly.  

Better Business Bureau has some tips to help bedbug victims who are looking for a pest control company:

Get educated – Make sure you completely understand the extent of infestation as well as possible side effects of any chemicals used in the eradication process.

Start with trust – BBB maintains reports on exterminators – both good and bad – across North America.  BBB’s Accredited Business Directory can help you find local exterminators that uphold BBB’s standards for ethical business practices.

Verify credentials – Make sure the exterminator has the necessary training and certifications and preferably, is a member of a national or local trade association.

Ask about liability insurance – Verify the exterminators - like any professionals who are hired to do work in your home - are covered and how you will be reimbursed in the event they damage your property or belongings when they are in your dwelling.

Read the fine print – Make sure that all verbal claims appear in the contract, and pay close attention to warranty or termination fees if you are entering into an extended retainer for monitoring or future extermination services.

You may find more advice on hiring home maintenance professionals at bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-home/.

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Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.