Yesterday we received notification from the Professional Pest Management Alliance an association of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Unfortunately a tragic event occurred in the Philadelphia community. Below, the article provides information behind the story and the importance of doing your due diligence before hiring a professional to come in your home.

Thomas Pest Services is proud to be a local, family owned company in the Albany NY area. As a Quality Pro company, a special designation from the National Pest Management Association, our reputation is very important. Thomas Pest Services hiring process begins with an application, interview process, drug test and background/reference check. Once hired, Thomas Pest Services ensure all employees are licensed, or work towards their license, are continually trained with quality control checks and random drug testing.

Thomas Pest Services strives to be your Albany NY pest control expert with highly trained and qualified team members ready to solve your pest management needs.

“Hiring Professional Contractors”

Consumer Safety Advice

Prepared for the National Pest Management Association By the Professional Pest Management Alliance

January 24, 2013

Background

On Monday, January 21, Melissa Ketunuti, a doctor and researcher at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, was found brutally murdered inside her home in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood of Philadelphia. After a three-day investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department arrested a suspect, Jason Smith, 35, of Levittown, PA. The police and national media are reporting that the suspect met the victim while working as a pest control subcontractor on a rodent call. During a scheduled service call at her home, the two got into an argument that escalated to murder.

We do not know at this time which company contracted the work to him, but there have been reports that he is not licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.

This case has garnered national media attention and may prompt many consumers to question the safety of having contractors, not just PMPs, inside their homes (especially women who may be alone at the time of a service call). If you get calls from customers expressing concern or even the local media, consider using this list to bolster your own advice on how to hire a professional service with safety in mind. Companies are free to adapt this list to reflect their own company policies.

Hiring a Professional Contractor

• Ask friends and neighbors to recommend companies they have used successfully. And, ask for and check recent references from the provider.
• Look for qualified and licensed companies that are members of national, state or local associations.
• Ask to see proper licensing and insurance information to ensure the contractor is permitted to do business in your state.
• Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints or accolades to help form your decision. Consumers can also consult online databases such as Service Magic, Angie's List, Yelp!, etc. to get a broader picture of consumer sentiment.
• Ask if the company conducts employee background checks. Many companies do and it can be an added layer of assurance.
• Buy value. Do not make a purchasing decision based solely on the lowest cost.