Door-to-door (D2D) business scams are nothing new, although you may be surprised to learn that pest control companies do it, too.
One of the first signs that a pest control company is attempting to scam or deceive you is that they are knocking on your door.
Reputable companies like The Pest Rangers, established in and around NEPA, SEPA, and the Lehigh Valley, will never knock on your door and use completely transparent pricing without locking you into expensive contracts for repeat services.
If you’ve recently been contacted by a D2D pest control salesman, signed up for a contract, or even been harassed, here are some steps you can take to get out of a contract or report these companies.
Local D2D Pest Control Companies to Watch for in Eastern Pennsylvania
Consumers have been reporting a surge in new D2D pest control companies in recent years as these parasites have begun to invade parts of NEPA, SEPA, and the Lehigh Valley.
Through our research and contact with local customers in the area, we have identified six D2D pest control companies operating regionally in Eastern Pennsylvania.
- Aptive Environmental
- Moxie Pest Control
- Fox Pest Control
- Ecoshield Pest Control
- Greenix
- Evergreen Pest Control
Many of these companies, such as Evergreen and Aptive, don’t have proper BBB accreditation and are active nationwide.
However, several others operate in our area that may not be on our list, which you will need to watch out for.
Signs You’re Dealing with a Deceptive Pest Control Company
The internet is your friend when it comes to researching and vetting local pest control companies that come to your door.
- Unsolicited Door-to-Door Visits: First, no legitimate pest control company does unsolicited visits to doors. While they may market themselves online or through various other sources of media, pest control companies do not knock on doors trying to sign people up for contracts.
- No BBB Accreditation: A good sign that you’re dealing with a scammy company is viewing its BBB accreditation. While newer companies may get a pass, most legitimate companies will have proper accreditation.
- No Google Reviews or Website: Similarly, you can research a company’s internet presence to see whether something feels off. A major red flag will be a lack of Google reviews or a website to visit.
- Unmarked Vehicles or Branding Materials: While many of these companies will have some sort of branding on their company vehicles, an unmarked vehicle can still be a red flag. You may even find these people riding on cycles and without traditional work vans.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Finally, the biggest red flag of a scammy D2D salesman is using high-pressure sales tactics to get you to sign a contract, which we’ll describe below.
Common Deceptive Tactics Used in Door-to-Door Sales
Ask most people in Pennsylvania, and they’ll tell you that they would never fall for a scam or MLM marketing techniques. However, many people underestimate the power and persuasion that many of these salespeople use to trap customers into expensive, long contracts that they will eventually regret.
Fortunately, by identifying these red flags, you can negotiate your way out of a contract and close the door on these parasites.
1. Bait-and-Switch Pricing
First, legitimate pest control companies operate with entirely transparent pricing that you can cancel at any time. The logic is simple: if a pest control company is doing poor service, they will want you to cancel so they don’t get a bad review.
D2D companies operate on the inverse, attempting to sign you up for contracts at a low introductory rate but hiding behind semantics and bait-and-switch pricing.
The common line for a D2D salesperson is to offer a $695 monthly service for a discount of $195 if you sign up today.
However, there may be language in the contract that allows the price to rise after a few months, leaving you unable to cancel because if you do, you’ll be responsible for the remainder of the contract, otherwise known as a “cancellation fee.”
It may be difficult to spot these tactics without reading the fine print, so ask questions about cancellation fees, warranties, or anything else that might impact their business’s pricing structure.
2. Creating False Urgency
One of the most common tactics these slimy salespeople use to lure people into contracts is by creating a sense of urgency to sign. You may notice this urgency grow when you express skepticism or ask more questions about the contract.
This will include giving you discounts that are “too good to be true” if you sign up now or before they leave. These people are trained to do everything in their power for you to sign at your front door when you’re most vulnerable, so, at the very least, tell them you’ll think about it and research the company after they finally leave.
3. Scare Tactics
Another false sense of urgency these parasites use is generating fear by discovering something on your property that could be a danger. This could include misleading claims, such as a termite or cockroach they spotted on the premises while doing a perimeter inspection.
If these companies try to scare you, make sure you have them physically point out a nest or colony before you panic. These people thrive on panic, so always stay calm and try reaching out to a legitimate pest control company if you have any fear.
4. Impersonating or Misleading Affiliations
Another sales tactic these companies use is impersonating a local affiliate to garner your trust. They may claim to be an affiliate of your current pest control company, or “sent by your HOA or township.”
Be aware that your pest control company or any other organization will not send an affiliate to provide pest control services without contacting you first.
5. Forged Signatures or Misrepresented Agreements
Finally, the biggest thing we can tell customers is not to sign anything whatsoever before you have time to research and think about it. These shady companies will try and deceive you by getting you to sign survey logs that show that an inspection was performed, while it’s actually a contract they’re having you sign.
While rare, there are horror stories out there of people being duped by this and having to pursue legal action to get out of a contract.
Your Legal Rights: How Can You Get Out of Deceptive Contracts
If you recently signed a contract with a D2D pest control company that you now feel was deceptive or not on the up-and-up, you have a little bit of time to back out of the contract.
Under the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule and Pennsylvania’s Door-to-Door Sales Act, you have three business days to cancel any purchase over $25 made at your home.
Contact the seller for a written cancellation form. If they do not, the contract will be deemed void, but be wary of any sales tricks they try to use.
Tips to Protect Yourself and Others from D2D Sales Tactics
Spreading awareness about this pervasive issue on community forums and groups can help others in your area avoid being scammed by D2D pest control companies.
As previously stated, if you do encounter one of these vermin, always ask for proper ID, research the company online, and never sign anything until the paperwork has been properly vetted.
Remember, legitimate pest control companies don’t search for customers by knocking on doors, so this will always be your first red flag that you’re dealing with an illegitimate company.
FAQs
How can I verify if a pest control company is licensed?
Check with your state’s Department of Agriculture or regulatory agency. Most states have an online license lookup tool for pest control professionals.
What should a legitimate pest control contract include?
It should clearly outline the scope of work, treatment methods, frequency of service, cost breakdown, guarantees/warranties, and cancellation terms.
Are door-to-door pest control sales legal?
They can be legal, but scammers often use them. Always verify the salesperson’s credentials and never feel pressured to sign on the spot.
