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)
- 20% Senior Discount (discounts applied to one-time services.
- Proof Pest Control (734) 926-8999
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.
