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A common issue that our clients ask us about is pest control. It can be daunting to find a pest control company and compare plans to prevent creepy crawlies. When bugs and other critters get into your home, suddenly a whole host of issues can arise. Today on the blog we’re going to explore pest control resources in Washtenaw County.  

Community Programs 

• Humane Society of Huron Valley Humane Wildlife Removal (734) 661-3512 
  • Available April 1st– September 30th 8:00am- 9:00pm & October 1st– March 31st 8:00am-7:00pm 
  • Cost:  
    • $100 for consultation and immediate animal removal ($45 for each additional animal) 
    • $35 extra will be charged for set-up and removal of a humane live trap. 

Other Programs 

These agencies can help if the pest is a public health matter, you fear for your safety, or if you’re worried about the spread of rabies or other diseases: 

• Washtenaw County Animal Services (734) 461-0545 

• Michigan Wildlife Commission (517) 284-9453 

• Ypsilanti Police Department: (734) 483-9510 

• Washtenaw Metro Dispatch at (734) 994-2911 (dead animal removal) 

Other Resources 

• Report an animal bite or bat exposure 
  • During business hours (M-F 8:30am-5:00pm) you can call (734) 544-6700. 
  • Outside of business hours, call your local emergency department.
• What to do if you find a bat in your home via Washtenaw County Health Department. 
• Bed Bug Information via Washtenaw County Health Department. 
• Rat and Mice Information via Washtenaw County Health Department.
• Companies that offer a senior discount (Disclaimer: these companies have not been vetted by Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County or Senior Resource Connect). 
  • Proof Pest Control (734) 926-8999
    • $25 off one pest treatment for adults age 65+ (only valid on initial service of pest free guarantee annual subscription). 
    • 1 month free for veteran, active military, and first responders (only valid on pest free guarantee annual subscription). 
  • RJ’s Pest Control (734) 812-7675 
    • 20% Senior Discount (discounts applied to one-time services.
      Discounts cannot be combined) 
    • 30% Military Discount (discounts applied to one-time services.
      Discounts cannot be combined) 

What to look for when hiring a pest company  

• Take the time to research different companies. Ask for recommendations from friends. If your neighborhood has a Facebook, WhatsApp, or Nextdoor group, these are also great places to ask for recommendations. 
• Take advantage of free estimates. You’re under no obligation to use those companies if they’re not a good fit. 
• Ask the company for a list of references. 
• Ask for a copy of the company’s pest control license.  
• If you’re worried about chemicals, you can also ask for copies of the pesticides the company uses.  
• Make sure to check the company’s website to see if there are coupons to help keep the cost down! 

• Questions to ask: 
  • How long have they been in business? 
  • What pests do they specialize in (e.g., termites, beg bugs, etc)? 
  • What services do they offer? 
  • Who will be coming into your home? What type of license do they carry? 
  • Do they charge a flat or an hourly rate? 
  • Do they offer payment plans?  
  • Do they offer any sort of warranty?  
  • When do they recommend a check up visit?   

Scam Prevention 

• At a glance: 
  • Does the company’s website match their name? Is it a valid website? 
  • Does the company’s logo look legitimate or like it was created in a hurry? 
  • How do they answer the phone? Do they answer with the company name or with something generic like “pest control”? 
• Be wary of door-to-door pest control companies or companies that contact you directly.  
• Be wary of notes left on your property telling you that you need a treatment or service. If you’re worried, call an expert (e.g., an arborist if you receive a note on your property from a company stating you need a specific treatment for your trees). This was a common scam around 2015. 
• Be wary of companies that want to offer you a package deal of pest control and other home improvement or construction projects. 
• Be wary of companies that pressure you to make a decision or tell you your home will be irreparably damaged if you don’t use their services. 
• Be wary of companies that offer you a discount because they have excess materials from a different job. 
• Be wary of companies that claim to have a special formula for getting rid of pests. 
• Be wary of over-complicated contracts
• Make sure any company you use is licensed.
  • You can double check a pest control company’s license by contacting the MI Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at (517) 284-5653 or look up Certified Pesticide Applicators on their website.
• Ask to see their liability insurance and workers comp insurance. 
• Ask to see the entire contract before signing anything.