What to Ask Before Hiring a Pest Control Service: A Safety Checklist for Michigan Families

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You’re folding laundry in the basement when you spot a spider scuttling into the corner of the playroom. Or maybe you’re wiping down kitchen counters after breakfast and see it: a tiny, determined line of ants making a beeline for a crumb of toast. For Michigan parents, these common household challenges immediately raise concerns about the well-being of children and pets who share that space.

This brings up the central dilemma for any parent: you want the pests gone, but you’re rightfully worried about introducing potentially harmful chemicals into your home. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between a pest-free home and your family’s safety. By asking the right questions, you can confidently select a pest control service that is both effective and aligns with your safety standards. This guide empowers you to become an informed advocate for your home and family.

Prioritizing Safety: What to Ask About Pest Control Treatments

This section directly addresses the primary concern for parents: the safety of the products and methods used inside and around your home.

Are the treatments kid- and pet-friendly?

In modern pest control, family-friendly means leveraging a strategy called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach prioritizes prevention and targeted solutions rather than broad, indiscriminate chemical spraying. IPM focuses on understanding pest behaviors and biology to find the most effective and least invasive solution. A professional will identify how pests are getting in and what’s attracting them, addressing the root cause of the infestation.

Today’s professionals use low-toxicity products, baits, and gels applied strategically in cracks, crevices, and voids—areas far from the reach of curious toddlers and playful pets. This is a significant shift from older methods like fogging or bombing that dispersed chemicals widely throughout a room. By focusing on targeted application, a modern service protects your family while effectively eliminating the pest problem.

What preparation and follow-up are required from our family?

Effective and safe pest control is a partnership between you and your provider. A professional company will always give you clear, detailed instructions to ensure the treatment works as intended while keeping everyone safe. These steps may vary slightly depending on the target pest, but they generally follow a consistent safety protocol.

1. Before They Arrive: The technician will likely ask you to clear kitchen counters of all food and utensils, store open food in sealed containers, and move pet bowls, toys, and bedding out of the treatment area. For homes with infants, it’s a good practice to cover cribs, changing tables, and play areas with a sheet or blanket that can be removed and laundered after the service.
2. During the Service: The standard recommendation is for family members and pets to either leave the house or stay in untreated areas during the application. Always ask the technician how long you should wait before re-entering treated rooms. This waiting period allows any sprayed products to dry completely.
3. After They Leave: It is typically safe for everyone to return once the treatment has dried, which often takes just a few hours. Don’t be alarmed if you notice a temporary increase in pest activity. This is a positive sign that pests are being flushed out from their hiding spots and the treatment is working.
4. Cleaning and Maintenance: Your technician will advise you on how long to wait before mopping floors or wiping down baseboards. Cleaning too soon can remove the protective barrier they’ve applied, reducing the treatment’s long-term effectiveness.

Can you provide a list of the products you plan to use?

Absolutely. A transparent and professional company will readily provide a list of the products they intend to use. For complete peace of mind, you can ask for the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each product. These documents detail the active ingredients, potential hazards, and safety precautions, empowering you to make a fully informed decision. This commitment to transparency is a hallmark of a company that prioritizes customer safety and invests in proper training. For instance, Michigan State University (MSU) has launched its Pesticide Safety Webinar Series to help keep local applicators updated on best practices and regulatory changes. A company that encourages this type of ongoing education for its technicians demonstrates a serious commitment to safe and effective product handling.

Beyond the Sales Pitch: How to Verify a Pest Control Pro in Michigan

With so many options available, Michigan parents must know how to find a legitimate, professional company. Checking credentials is the best way to ensure you’re hiring a qualified and trustworthy expert.

Are you licensed and insured in Michigan?

This is the most critical and non-negotiable question you can ask. In Michigan, all commercial pesticide applicators must be certified and licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This certification ensures the technician has passed exams on pesticide safety, rules, and proper application methods. You can often verify a company’s license online through the MDARD website.

Equally important is insurance. A reputable company should carry both general liability insurance, which covers any accidental damage to your property, and workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is crucial because it protects you, the homeowner, from being held liable if a technician is injured while working on your property.

What kind of training do your technicians have?

While licensing is the baseline, a top-tier company invests in continuous education for its team. This ensures they are equipped to handle Michigan-specific challenges and are up-to-date on the latest, most effective treatment methods. For example, has the technician been trained to identify and treat new invasive pests like the Box Tree Moth, which has been a growing concern for Michigan homeowners since 2022? A well-trained professional will have localized expertise that goes far beyond general pest knowledge, providing more effective and precise solutions for your home.

Can you provide references or show me online reviews?

A confident company will be proud of its track record. While they may provide testimonials, it’s also wise to seek out independent, third-party reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). These platforms offer unbiased feedback from other families in your area. Given that there are over 33,122 pest control businesses in the U.S. as of 2025, online reviews are a key differentiator that can help you find a truly reliable and respected provider among the crowd.

What Am I Paying For? A Guide to Pest Control Plans and Guarantees

This section breaks down the practical details of a service agreement, helping you understand exactly what is—and isn’t—included so you can choose a plan that fits your family’s needs and budget.

What pests are covered under the standard plan?

Most general pest control plans cover common household invaders like ants, spiders, crickets, and cockroaches. In fact, services for pests like ants and cockroaches account for nearly half of the industry’s revenue, so they are almost always included in a standard plan. However, more complex infestations such as termites, bed bugs, or wildlife removal typically require specialized treatments and are offered as separate, add-on services. Always ask for a specific list of covered pests to ensure the plan matches your needs.

What is your service guarantee?

A service guarantee is a strong indicator of a company’s confidence in its methods. A reputable provider will stand by its work and should offer to return between scheduled appointments if pests reappear. Many of the best companies provide these re-services free of charge as part of their year-round protection plans. This commitment not only ensures your home stays pest-free but also demonstrates the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction.

Comparing One-Time Treatments vs. Year-Round Plans

A one-time service might seem like a cost-effective solution for a single pest issue, but pests are a year-round problem. Different seasons bring different threats, and an ongoing protection plan is often more effective and economical for preventing future infestations. A proactive approach is always better than a reactive one, especially when protecting your home and family.

For Michigan families seeking a lasting solution, a year-round plan is the most reliable option. A trusted pest control professional will tailor a four-season strategy to keep your home protected from ants in the spring, mosquitoes in the summer, and rodents in the fall.

A Confident Choice for a Pest-Free Home

Choosing a pest control service doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. Feeling secure in your decision comes from asking pointed questions about Safety, Credentials, and Service Details. When you know what to look for and what to ask, you can effectively vet companies and find a partner who values your family’s health as much as you do.

By using this checklist, you are taking the right steps to find an effective, responsible, and safe solution. You can move forward with confidence, knowing you are protecting not just your home, but your family’s health and happiness for years to come.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.