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The Australian
Pest Controllers Association Inc
Ring the Experts
Consumer Advice
1300 660 200
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ACCREDITED
APCA Members are required to possess TAFE or APCA Pest Control Certificate and extensive field work experience in the pest control service industry
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The
Australian Pest Controllers Association Inc |
APCA Consumer Protection Advice
Don't do a thing - until you give APCA a ring - 1300 660 200
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Consumer Advice on Selecting a Pest Controller
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Selecting
a professional pest controller
to provide a safe and effective service can be a daunting
task. Your enquiries should focus on whether the business
is a solid company in case a problem arises in the future,
the level of expertise, insurance cover, any warranties applicable
and the safety aspects employed.
Obtain
several quotes and check out each of the companies.
First enquire as to how long the business has been established.
Do they have a good reputation in the market-place. Are they
a member of a recognised Pest Control Association?
Ask
questions about
termites and the different treatment options the company employs,
the chemicals used, their toxicity and safety aspects. Compare
notes on the methods of each company. Which company seems
the more professional?
Make
sure the company carries professional indemnity and public
liability insurance for
their termite control services and inspection reports.
Be
present during the termite inspection.
Study
the general presentation of the inspector - was the
inspector in company uniform - proper identification
- did he/she arrive in a tidy motor vehicle - use quality
equipment - including a moisture meter - was a thorough inspection
carried out - were you presented with informative documentation
regarding the inspection findings and treatment proposals - did he/she
adequately explain the alternatives so you are confident he/she knew
his/her subject matter? - any other aspects to indicate professionalism
or otherwise? Make notes and comparisons.
Enquire
as to the qualifications and experience of the termite inspector.
Does he/she have a current pest control license (not
a trainee permit). You should cite his/her State Government
issued pest control license, noting name, number and expiry
date.
Enquire
as to whether the company uses employees or sub-contractors.
Be
wary of companies with sub-contractors as problems often occur
in the market place where sub-contractors are obliged to pay
for the supply of chemical and other costs but do not assume
responsibility if the service proves to be inadequate at a
later date.
Ask
about any applicable back-up service period.
For example, a company may provide you with a twelve month "FREE
service period" for a chemical soil barrier treatment where
the termite controller is confident a complete barrier is
in place around the entire foot-print or perimeter of the
building. This annual service period may be extended annually
thereafter (at the customers option) provided necessary regular
inspections and other essential control measures are carried
out as recommended.
Be
wary of companies offering a 10 or 20 year warranty
as this commits you for that period, so you have to obtain (pay
for) regular inspections and other work whether or not you
want it. Such a long term warranties are often unrealistic and unreliable.
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APCA is an independently incorporated association - since 1987
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ring
the experts