How to Choose a Pest Control Company in Pune (10 Questions to Ask)

Pune has hundreds of pest control providers — but only a handful are run by licensed pest management professionals using CIB&RC-registered chemicals and proper protocols. Here are the ten questions to ask before you hand over your home or business.

1. Are you registered with the CIB&RC?

The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee licences pest management firms and approves the chemicals they're allowed to use. Any reputable Pune pest control company can produce a CIB&RC licence number. If they can't, walk away.

2. What chemicals will you use, and are they approved for residential use?

The right answer names the treatment type and confirms it's CIB&RC-registered for residential use — for example a termiticide barrier treatment, a gel bait for cockroaches, or a tamper-proof bait station for rodents. The wrong answer is "we use the latest international formula" or "trade secret."

3. Will the technician wear identifiable uniform and ID?

A real pest control technician comes in branded uniform, with a company ID card, and shows you the chemicals before mixing. If they show up in plain clothes carrying unmarked containers — that's a red flag.

4. What's the guarantee, and is it in writing?

A reputable company should guarantee a free re-service if the pest returns within a defined service window — ask exactly what that window covers for your specific treatment, and get it in writing.

The guarantee document should be issued the same day, list every treated area, and remain valid even if the property is sold. If the guarantee is only verbal, it doesn't exist.

5. How many treatment cycles, and how far apart?

Some services need multiple cycles to be effective:

• Bed bugs: two cycles, 14 days apart (kills adults, then newly-hatched nymphs)
• Cockroach AMC: 4 visits per year minimum
• Mosquito (monsoon): monthly cycles

If a company offers a "one-shot fix" for bed bugs, that's a serious red flag.

6. Do you do a free inspection, or do you charge for the quote?

Reputable Pune pest control companies do free inspections for residential properties — the inspection is a sales tool for them as much as it is information for you. Commercial inspections may have a small fee. A quote without an inspection is a guess.

7. Will I get a written quote with line items?

You should receive a quote on company letterhead listing:

• Service type and treatment method
• Property area / number of rooms
• Chemicals to be used
• Number of cycles / visits
• Guarantee terms
• Total clearly itemised, taxes included

A one-line WhatsApp message with no breakdown is not a quote.

8. What's your insurance coverage?

A serious pest control company carries third-party liability insurance for accidental damage or chemical exposure. Ask for the insurance certificate number — they won't have it memorised, but they should be able to email it within a day.

9. Can you share five recent customer references?

Google Reviews are a starting point — but for big jobs (full-house termite, warehouse rodent contract), ask for 5 recent references with phone numbers. A confident company is happy to share. A nervous one suddenly has "client confidentiality."

10. What's the technician's experience, and who's on call if there's a problem?

The technician arriving at your door determines 80% of treatment quality. Ask:

• How many years has the technician been treating this pest type?
• Who do I call if a problem comes up after treatment hours?
• Is there a supervisor who reviews the job?

Red flags to walk away from

• Cash-only. Reputable firms accept UPI, card and bank transfer.
• No quote in writing. "Pay me in cash and I'll spray everything, no paperwork" is not pest control.
• Pressure tactics. "This is a special offer only today" is a sales technique, not professional service.
• No guarantee in writing. As above — verbal guarantees don't exist.
• Strong chemical smell. Modern pest control is largely odourless. A heavy chemical smell often indicates illegal or diluted chemicals.

Entomon's checklist for Pune clients

We answer every one of these ten questions in writing in our quote document. You can call +91 80102 81236 for a free inspection across any of Pune's 60+ localities, or use our contact form for a same-day callback.