Beware of the Door to Door Scare!

BEWARE OF THE DOOR TO DOOR SCARE!!

This is the time of year where some of the “out of town” pest control companies come out of the wood work and knock on doors.

They promise all kinds of things that they cannot deliver, but some unfortunate homeowners fall for their shpiel.

PROMISES OF GRANDEUR

1-“We’ll charge you less than your current provider”

These are professional sales folks.  They have been trained (in Salt Lake City where they’re based out of) exclusively on techniques to “undercut” your current provider.  Our prices here at LIND PEST CONTROL are based upon factual formulas.  We must figure the cost of materials, equipment, insurances, gasoline, and salary (among other things).  Then reach a price point of a little profit to keep our business running to it’s fullest and continue the outstanding service our customers have come to know for 23 + years.  Anything less and there would need to be some corners cut.  So where do these folks cut them?

Quality of pest control technicians?
Absence of office support staff?
Use of inadequate products and equipment?
Lack of follow up?

You name it-One or all of these (as well as other factors) would need to occur for the prices to be “to good to be true”.

2-“We use organic products so it’s better for the environment”.

ALL pest control companies have the capacity to use “NATURAL” or “SYNTHETIC” products.  A “Natural” product can be just as harmful as a synthetic product when used incorrectly.  This is where the reputation of the company, the quality of the technicians, and the support of a full office team come into play.  There are times when a natural product can be used and times where a synthetic product should be used.

3-“We’ll come out how ever many times you need us to at no extra charge”.

 I can see this if they have roped you into a monthly service.  They’re out there more often than they’re not.  They’re “claim” to be better for the environment is completely out the window if they are applying unnecessary pesticides when they’re not needed.  No matter if it’s “natural” or not (which it probably isn’t).  We’ve had experiences where our customers have fallen for this spiel.  Only to call us back to resume their previous program, because this company did not fulfill their promises of showing up when needed, let alone showing up at all.

We, at LIND PEST CONTROL, recommend programs that are geared towards a quarterly basis.  This pretty much covers your home throughout the year, and seasons, without overapplying.  If a rare problem, in between, arises then there is a smaller service fee to treat as needed.  Folks with a little tougher, reoccurring, pest issue are pointed more towards a service of every other month.  A monthly is recommended ONLY when the pest issue and “environment” warrant it.

ARE THEY LOCAL? LICENSED?

As stated. Most of these folks are sales people.  They know how to sell, they are based on a commission salary.  They are trained out of state (most of the time). They are not licensed applicators and have never been a part of treatment processes.  They have knocked on my door, as well as my mother-in law’s door.  I’ve listened to their spiel and it is full of ignorance and untruths.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AND THINGS TO CONSIDER

1-May I see your credentials?

Anyone approaching your home and knocking on your door should have identification

2-Are you a licensed applicator?  Can I see your license?

 This will tell you if they have studied, and are well versed and licensed, on pesticide use, mixing, application, etc.

3-Are you local? Where are you based out of?

 LIND PEST CONTROL INC. is a locally based family business.  We have no other interests other than keeping you, your home, your family (which includes pets) healthy, safe, and free of harmful pests.  We have a full time, fully staffed, office support team, in our NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE, who are there to take your calls every day during business hours.  We have been your pest control provider for 23 + years.  We have licensed/certified/bonded technicians that have been fully trained, and have completed all of their courses and tests in order to know their position to the fullest.  All of our employees are local, family oriented, responsible and mature adults who know how to work and fulfill their positions with the pride of a job well done!!!

4-What is the name of the product(s) you would be using?

They should be able to provide paperwork of whatever products they use.  All of our technicians carry a binder of product labels and safety data sheets.  It is the law and we abide by ALL of them.  There is no secret formula that any one company has over another!

5-Do you belong to the Washington State Pest Management Association? (WSPMA)

  Any and all local pest control companies belong to this organization.  It is an outlet to help and support the businesses within, as well as the consumers who may have questions and or comments.

CALL US BEFORE YOU SIGN UP FOR THIS SCAM

Luckily, most of our current clients, who are with us, have not fallen for this.  They usually call us to let us know that they were approached and they told the people “we’re already on a program with LIND PEST CONTROL and are very happy so no thank you”.  But, unfortunately, every year we lose a few folks to this “approach”.  A lot of times we have received calls back from the folks who were talked/pressured into this program.  They have relayed stories of the company not showing up, not taking care of their pest issues, rude or “scary” technicians showing up at their door, services only taking 10 minutes, etc.  Obviously they are calling to “re-join” with LIND PEST CONTROL.  Their “savings” actually have now cost them more money and headaches, but we’re always happy to have them back.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND HEALTHY SUMMER!!!  THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING A LOCAL PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL COMPANY

Randy Lind