Choosing the right pest control company starts with asking the right questions before any work begins, because the answers reveal whether a company has the experience, transparency, and accountability to actually solve your problem.

With over 32,700 pest control businesses operating in the U.S. as of 2025, the options can feel overwhelming, and not every company delivers the same level of service. A HomeTeam Pest Defense survey found that 37% of homeowners attempt to handle pest issues on their own, yet 64% of those DIYers fail to fully resolve the problem — which means many people eventually hire a professional anyway, often after the infestation has grown worse.

We want to help you skip that frustrating cycle by knowing exactly what to ask so you hire the right company the first time. Whether you’re in Reno, Sparks, Truckee, or anywhere in Northern Nevada, these questions will help you separate experienced, trustworthy providers from the ones who are just going through the motions.

Summary

• Asking about licensing, insurance, and experience upfront protects you legally and ensures the technician working on your property is properly trained and certified.
• A reputable pest control company will always offer an inspection before recommending any treatment, and that inspection should be thorough enough to identify the pest species, entry points, and severity of the infestation.
• Understanding what products are being used, how they’re applied, and what safety precautions are needed is your right as a homeowner and a sign that the company takes transparency seriously.
• Guarantees, follow-up policies, and contract terms vary widely across the industry, so clarifying them before signing anything prevents costly surprises later.

Are You Licensed, Insured, and Certified?

This is the most important question to ask, and it should be the very first one out of your mouth. Every state requires pest control companies to hold a valid business license, and individual technicians must typically carry their own applicator certifications. In Nevada, pest control operators must be licensed through the Nevada Department of Agriculture, which requires passing exams that cover pesticide safety, pest identification, and proper application methods.

Why This Question Matters So Much

An unlicensed pest control operator puts your property, your health, and your liability at risk. If an uninsured technician is injured on your property or causes damage during treatment, you could be held financially responsible. Proper licensing also ensures the technician has been trained in the safe handling of chemicals and understands the regulations that govern their use.

Here’s what you should specifically ask for:

• A current state pest control license or license number you can verify
• Proof of general liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation coverage for their employees
• Any additional certifications, such as QualityPro or GreenPro credentials from the National Pest Management Association

Don’t feel awkward about asking — any legitimate company will be happy to provide this information. If a company hesitates or can’t produce proof of licensing and insurance, that’s a clear signal to move on.

Key Takeaways

• Always verify that the company holds a valid state pest control license and carries both liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
• In Nevada, pest control licensing is regulated by the Department of Agriculture and requires technicians to pass specific certification exams.
• A company’s willingness to share credentials openly is itself a strong indicator of professionalism.

Do You Offer a Free Inspection Before Treatment?

A quality pest control company should never recommend a treatment plan without first inspecting your property. The inspection is the foundation of effective pest control, and skipping it is like a doctor prescribing medication without examining the patient. During a proper inspection, the technician should identify the specific pest species, locate entry points and nesting areas, assess the severity of the infestation, and evaluate conditions around your property that may be attracting pests.

What a Thorough Inspection Looks Like

A good inspection covers both the interior and exterior of your home. Inside, the technician should check kitchens, bathrooms, basements, attics, and any areas where moisture, food sources, or clutter are present. Outside, they should examine the foundation, roof line, vents, utility entry points, and landscaping near the structure.

The inspection should be free, and the findings should be shared with you in plain language before any work begins. You should walk away understanding exactly what pest you’re dealing with, where it’s coming from, how severe the problem is, and what the recommended treatment involves. If a company wants to start spraying without inspecting first, or if they can’t tell you specifically what pest they’re treating, that’s a major red flag.

According to a national homeowner survey, 76% of homeowners experienced a pest issue in the past year, yet many reported that the biggest frustration wasn’t the pest itself — it was the inconvenience and confusion of dealing with the problem. A clear, transparent inspection process eliminates that confusion from the start.

Key Takeaways

• Never hire a pest control company that skips the inspection step or charges for an initial assessment.
• A thorough inspection should cover both interior and exterior areas and result in a clear explanation of the problem and the proposed solution.
• The inspection is your opportunity to evaluate the technician’s knowledge and communication style before committing to service.

What Products Do You Use and Are They Safe?

You have every right to know what chemicals or products are being applied inside and around your home, especially if you have children, pets, or family members with respiratory sensitivities. A trustworthy pest control professional will explain exactly what products they’re using, how they work, where they’ll be applied, and what precautions you need to take before, during, and after treatment.

The Right Way to Ask About Safety

Rather than simply asking “is it safe?” — which almost every company will answer with yes — try asking more specific questions:

• What is the active ingredient in the product you’re using?
• Is the product applied indoors, outdoors, or both?
• How long do we need to stay out of treated areas?
• Are there specific precautions for children or pets?
• Do you offer reduced-risk or Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches?

Integrated Pest Management is considered the gold standard in modern pest control because it combines targeted treatments with prevention strategies like exclusion, sanitation, and habitat modification rather than relying solely on chemical applications. According to EPA data, approximately 59 million U.S. households apply their own pesticides each year, often without proper training — which underscores why professional application with the right products in the right amounts matters.

Key Takeaways

• Ask specifically about active ingredients, application areas, and safety precautions rather than accepting a generic “it’s safe” answer.
• Companies that practice Integrated Pest Management combine chemical treatments with prevention, delivering more effective and longer-lasting results.
• A company that’s transparent about its products and methods is one that takes your family’s safety as seriously as the pest problem itself.

What Does the Guarantee Cover and Do You Require a Contract?

Guarantees and contract terms are where many homeowners get caught off guard. Some companies lock you into long-term contracts with automatic renewals and early termination fees. Others offer flexible one-time services with a satisfaction guarantee. Knowing the difference before you sign anything is essential to avoiding unnecessary costs and commitments.

Questions to Clarify Before You Commit

Here’s what we recommend asking:

• If the pests come back after treatment, do you return at no additional charge?
• Is there a time limit on the guarantee (30 days, 60 days, etc.)?
• Am I required to sign a contract, and if so, what are the terms?
• Can I cancel without a penalty if I’m not satisfied?
• Is the service one-time, or does it require a recurring plan?

The pest control industry is projected to reach $29.1 billion by 2026, and with that growth comes a wide range of service models. Some companies push annual contracts because it secures recurring revenue, even when a one-time treatment would be more appropriate for your situation. A company that lets you choose between one-time and recurring service based on your actual needs — rather than what’s best for their bottom line — is one that prioritizes your interests.

Pay attention to how the company responds to this question. If they’re evasive about guarantee terms or pressure you into signing a contract before the inspection is even complete, treat that as a warning sign.

Key Takeaways

• Clarify exactly what the guarantee covers, how long it lasts, and whether return visits are included at no extra cost.
• Be cautious of companies that require long-term contracts with cancellation penalties, especially for one-time pest issues.
• The best companies let you decide between one-time and recurring service based on your specific situation.

How Much Experience Do You Have With This Specific Pest?

Not all pest control companies handle every pest equally well. A company that’s excellent at general ant and spider control may not have the specialized equipment or training for bed bug heat treatments, wildlife exclusion, or termite management. The experience level of the technician handling your specific pest type directly affects how quickly and completely the problem gets resolved.

Why Specialization Matters

Ask how many years the company has been in business, how often they deal with your particular pest, and whether the technician who inspects your home will be the same one performing the treatment. Consistency matters because the person who identified the problem already understands your property’s layout, entry points, and conditions.

It’s also worth asking whether the company serves your local area regularly. Pest behavior varies by region. Here in Northern Nevada, the high desert climate, cold winters, and proximity to the Sierra Nevada create specific pest pressures that a technician unfamiliar with the area may not fully understand. A local company with deep roots in the community will recognize seasonal patterns and regional pest species that a national chain may overlook.

Customer service and responsiveness also rank highly in homeowner satisfaction surveys. A 2025 Scorpion consumer survey found that 41% of homeowners ranked responsiveness as their top priority when choosing a pest control provider — ahead of price and even treatment effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

• Ask specifically about the company’s experience with your particular pest, not just their years in business overall.
• A technician who knows your local area and its seasonal pest patterns will diagnose and treat problems more accurately.
• Consistency between the inspection technician and the service technician leads to better outcomes.

Make the Right Hire the First Time

Hiring a pest control company shouldn’t feel like a gamble. The questions we’ve covered — licensing, inspections, product safety, guarantees, and experience — give you everything you need to evaluate a provider with confidence. A company that answers these questions openly, without hesitation or pressure, is one that has nothing to hide and everything to offer.

At Right Away Pest Solutions, we welcome these questions because we know our answers set us apart. Our team brings over 20 years of hands-on experience to every job across Reno, Sparks, Truckee, Carson City, and the surrounding Northern Nevada communities. We offer free inspections with no obligation, no contracts required, and a satisfaction guarantee that means if pests come back, we come back.

Call us at (775) 722-7708 to ask us anything and schedule your free inspection. You can also explore our full list of pest control services to see exactly how we can help.