Door-to-door pest control sales are more common than ever. Some companies knock with honest offers and good service. Others rely on pressure, urgency, or confusing terms to make a quick sale.
It’s easy to get caught off guard when someone shows up out of nowhere promising to keep your home pest-free. But the right questions can tell you a lot—fast.
At Gunter, we believe you should never feel rushed or unsure. Whether you’re hearing a pitch at your front door or calling a company yourself, here’s what to ask before you agree to anything.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is step one. A real pest control company in Missouri needs to be licensed through the state. It’s how you know the person treating your home has training, knows the laws, and uses approved materials.
They also need insurance. At a minimum, general liability and workers’ comp. If something goes wrong during a treatment—whether it’s damage to your home or an injured tech—you shouldn’t be left paying for it.
Ask to see proof. A legit company won’t blink.
2. What Pests Are Covered in Your Plan?
Not all bugs are created equal—and not all treatment plans cover the same pests. Some companies only treat basic problems like ants or spiders. Others may include roaches, beetles, or even mice.
Ask them to list what’s included in their standard service. Then ask what isn’t.
Termites? Usually a separate service. Bed bugs? Definitely not covered by a basic plan. Rodents? Could go either way.
If you’re not clear on what’s covered, you might end up paying more later than you expected. And no one wants that.
3. How Often Will You Treat My Home?
Some plans are monthly, while others are one-time treatments. Ask how often they’ll return and what happens in between visits. If you see pests two months in, do you have to wait, or will they come back out for free?
The right company won’t just show up once and disappear. They’ll build a schedule that makes sense for your home—and stick to it. Or, they might offer an affordable call-back option if pest issues remain, like our $50 callback within three months of a one-time service, or free with our annual quarterly plan.
4. What Products Do You Use, and Are They Safe?
You deserve to know what’s being sprayed in and around your home. Especially if you’ve got kids, pets, or a garden.
Ask about the products. Are they low-odor? Are they labeled safe for residential use? Are they approved by the EPA?
Then ask what you need to do after treatment. Some sprays need drying time. Others may require you to stay out of certain areas for a bit. A good tech will walk you through it without rushing.
If the rep can’t tell you what’s being used—or avoids the question—that’s a red flag.
5. What Happens If the Bugs Come Back?
Pest control isn’t perfect. Sometimes ants return. Spiders show up again. That’s life.
What matters is how the company handles it. Do they offer free or affordable callbacks? Is there a time limit? Will they charge you again?
Ask how they stand behind their work. A solid company will treat your home like their own—and make it right if pests don’t stay gone.
6. Can I See Your License and Insurance?
Don’t just assume they’re legit because they wear a uniform or drive a truck with a logo.
Ask to see a valid pest control license. In Missouri, this is required. It means they’ve had real training—not just a sales pitch.
Also ask about insurance. If something goes wrong—damage to your home, a spill on your property—insurance protects you. If they don’t carry it, that risk falls on you.
Any reputable company will be happy to show both.
7. Do You Have Local Experience?
Pest problems aren’t the same everywhere. What works in Arizona won’t work in Missouri.
You want someone who knows the pests here—how they behave, when they’re active, where they hide. Someone who knows the signs of termite swarms or what moisture means for ant colonies in our region.
Ask how long they’ve been working locally. Ask if they understand Kansas or Missouri homes, seasons, and pests. Local experience makes a real difference.
8. What Do Your Customers Say About You?
Finally, don’t forget the human side of the service.
Ask if you can read reviews. Look for comments about communication, timeliness, follow-up, and how they treat people. It’s not just about killing bugs—it’s about trust.
Good companies don’t just leave homes pest-free. They leave homeowners feeling confident and taken care of.
Final Thoughts
Door-to-door pest control sales can catch you off guard. That’s why it helps to know what to ask.
Before locking into a contract or paying a large fee, we recommend ALWAYS seeking a second or even third opinion from another local pest control company. This not only helps you compare rates but also ensures the inspection is accurate and the pest problem is real.
Make sure they’re clear about the pests they cover.
Understand what’s included in their pricing and how long protection lasts.
Ask how they handle callbacks if pests return.
Check for proper licensing and insurance.
Look for local experience with Missouri pests and seasons.
And always check reviews—see how they treat people, not just bugs.
The right questions help you avoid high-pressure sales and make smart decisions for your home. A good pest control company won’t just have the right answers—they’ll respect your time, your budget, and your space.
