How long have you been in business?
We have been in business under the current ownership since 1973
Do we have to enter into an ongoing contract for pest control services?
No, we have a number of plans to choose between. Not all instances require ongoing service but for those circumstances that call for an ongoing service program we can create one that meets your needs.
Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
We are licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health, our employees are bonded, and we are fully insured.
How can I tell if you are a quality pest control service?
Our company carries the Quality Pro designation from the National Pest Management Association, we have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau of Chicagoland and Northern Illinois, and we have earned BedBug Free status.
Can I receive same day pest control service?
In many instances you can but sometimes same day service is not the best option for the client. Many times to maximize our efforts we need some preparation from the client. Coming before the preparation is completed will only allow us to do a partial procedure and normally partial procedures do not eliminate pest problems. They may produce some dead pests but is that what you want? Do you want dead pests or a pest solution?
Is A-Alert eco-friendly?
Yes, we pride ourselves on being as environmentally conscious as possible. A-Alert does not use any carcinogenic chemicals, and every product we use is registered with the EPA. A-Alert is eco-friendly in that we’re dedicated to using the lowest-impact chemical choice when a remedial or preventative pest control problem demonstrates a need for chemical application.
Are the chemicals and pesticides you use safe?
Not all pest situations require a “chemical” solution. Could an environmental change end the problem? Could a structural change eliminate an issue? Situations such as these require no pesticides. We practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM principles call for the addressing of all issues involved in a pest problem. Why are the pests there? How did the pests get there? How do we get rid of the pests that are present? IPM does not mean no chemical usage but the chemical usage is prudent and appropriate. Chemicals should not be used to overcome situations that affect the pest problem such as sanitation. When chemicals are used we attempt to make the best choice for your issue. Much goes into these choices. We choose low impact materials. We try to make choices which will, in many instances, affect only the pest in question. Please remember that there is no such thing as a non-toxic pesticide. All pesticides must be toxic or what will kill the pest? In additional all pesticides, under law, have to carry warnings that there are risks and the material is toxic. It is true that some products are more toxic than others. This is why it is important for the company you choose understand the need for the low impact products such as those we choose. All of our choices have been registered with the EPA and the State of Illinois. One last thought on the chemicals question, while toxicity is an important consideration the most important part of safe applications goes back to the applicator and their training. As an example the application of a rodenticide (a pesticide designed to kill mammals) into a mouse hole and that hole is sealed so only the mouse may contact and interact with it is a very safe application. On the other hand if a low impact pesticide such as Boric Acid (a naturally occurring mineral that is less toxic than table salt) is applied in a way that contaminates your food that is an unsafe application. How the chemical is applied is the most important part of safe pest control. We preach and practice safe and judicious applications.
What types of applications do you make for pest problems?
The applications vary from pest to pest. There are not any “one-size-fits-all” programs with us. Not only does the pest have to be taken into consideration but the circumstances involved also dictate the type of procedures to be used. This not only varies from location to location but also within the same structure. Would you want your kitchen to be treated the same way as your crawl space? I would imagine not.
Are your extermination programs ‘guaranteed’?
We do not offer guarantees, we offer warrantees with our work under particular packages. We do offer one time applications; these normally do not carry warrantees. In some instances, such as treating one apartment in a large building for cockroaches, there is no possible way to give any assurance that the problem will be eliminated if it is coming from a place we are not allow to access (the neighbor’s apartment) on the other hand building wide programs normally carry warrantees. Most programs carry some type of warrantee.
What types of pests are serviced by your company?
It is easier to explain what we do not do than list all the pests we can work with. In a general sense we can help with insect issues with the exception of termites and the wood destroying insects that require programs similar to termites. (We do service for Carpenter Ants and Carpenter Bees as an example) We have rodent control programs for rats and mice. We have an excellent track record with solving bird issues. We take pride in our record with the “tough pests” such as Bed Bugs, rat issues, Carpenter Ants, entrenched issues, and sensitive situations.
What areas do you provide service in?
We are licensed in the State of Illinois and we normally provide services in the general Chicagoland area. We have been asked in specialty areas to travel out of our normal service area and that can be arranged on a case by case basis. Historically this is for bird or Bed Bug issues.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes the estimates are free. Most situations with some discussion with the client and our vast experience we can give you a price without sending out an “Inspector” (a salesperson). There are some situations that require inspections to be able to give you a price for the work (food service, sensitive situations such as a pre-school, long time rat issues, etc.).
How do we arrange for a service visit?
You may use e-mail to contact us but we feel that the best option for the client is to call us at 773-348-3337. The biology and behavior of your pest remains constant from situation to situation. It is the individual environment the pest adapts to that determines how biology and behavior is applied. There is uniqueness in every pest situation. This becomes especially true in complex pest situations. The answers to some very basic questions can lead to other questions that are unique to your situation. Many times a five minute conversation can save numerous e-mails. E-mail communication is more appropriate for follow up situations as opposed to initial services.
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