Is it smart to sign an annual agreement with one of the big extermination companies to "debug" my home...or is it better to go with a smaller, local outfit? We found a baby tarantula inside our house yesterday and my wife is freaking out. Terminix wants to charge $131 for initial visit and $91 quarterly for unlimited, as-needed sprayings. Is this cost excessive or on average?
I've always preferred just going with a local guy. For termites, it makes sense to have an annual contract because they will check without having to think about it. But, for regular pest control, I've always gone with someone local.
Amrid Pest Control can put you on quarterly spraying... I paid about $50 a quarter for a 1400 sq ft home. They even use a water based bug spray that is "safe for pets" and didn't smell a day later. When we found roaches they were already dead. As long as you keep up the quarterly spraying you can remain virtually bug-free. No pest control is going to control 100% of your bug problems, but they can keep them at bay pretty good. Good luck.
LOCAL GUY. I've got a great one. Uses "human-friendly" stuff that kills the hell out of bugs, and you never have to empty out your cabinet, etc. He charges me around $47 a quarter for a 1,500 sqft house. Email me and I will give you his contact info.
I'd recommend Carl. He is very good at what he does. Plus, hes black. So that will impressive all of your friends.
