Pest management is a service that never goes out of style.

No matter the day, time, season, weather, year, decade, even despite a global pandemic, there will always be some kind of pest that can be a nuisance to you and your home. Whether we like it or not, we have to share the world with nature, but no one wants to share their home with potentially dangerous pests. Unfortunately, that fact provides an opportunity for less-than-reputable pest control companies to take advantage.

We've been hearing a lot about companies going door-to-door in neighborhoods, particularly since the COVID-19 quarantine began. That makes sense: people are home more often, therefore noticing pest problems they may not have known about, and what's more, they are home to answer the door. While it may seem convenient to go with the salesperson standing on your front step, claiming to be contracted with your neighbors, proceed with caution when it comes to door-to-door pest control sales.

Some recent anecdotes have told of salespeople showing homeowners a termite or carpenter ant, claiming to have found it in or around the home, only for the homeowner to discover later that they've never had an issue. We don't need to explain why that's flat-out wrong.

Generally, door-to-door sales reps work for a highly commission-based rate, with lots of competition within their company, meaning they're more apt to offer a "deal" and make promises they are unable to keep in order to get a signature and a check. Saving a few dollars isn't worth the headache of being locked in a contract with a company delivering subpar service, or even worse, not showing up at all when you need them.

When someone is standing in front of you, pressuring you into signing up for a service, they're limiting your ability to do your research on their company and customer reviews. Are they the best people to take care of whatever problems you might be having? Are they licensed and trustworthy? Will they pay attention to special circumstances such as the presence of children, pets, nearby water sources, or sensitive areas of your property? 

If a door-to-door company appears on your front porch, be savvy:

• Don't fall for the old "I just signed your neighbor up" tactic.
• Don't let them pressure you into signing on the spot, no matter what discounts or promises are offered. Get the name, address, phone number, and website of the company and take the name of the salesperson so you can do your research. 
• Google the company and read their reviews.
• If you do decide to call them back, make a list of items you would like to address such as current/former pest issues, concerns about sensitive areas or the presence of people and pets, frequency of service, coverage for additional service calls, etc.
• Call a reputable local company for another opinion.

The team at Burgess Pest Management is knowledgeable, licensed, experienced, and local. We'll never pressure you into buying something you don't need or make promises we won't keep. Our technicians are uniformed, professional, and come armed with ongoing training and education. Because we are a local, family-owned and operated business, we are familiar with the unique pest challenges of the New England region and how to handle them. When you call our office, you'll speak to a friendly human being who will help arrange prompt services that work with your schedule. If you log on to our website, you'll have access to all of your account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The bottom line? If you don't call us before the door-to-door company shows up, call us next for a free inspection and estimate that presents honest findings and offers a program that will work for your home and your budget, starting at just $39 per month.