In the pest control world (and really, in any home-service industry) one of the most common frustrations homeowners face is this:
“Why is the price so different now that you’re here?”
It’s a fair question. No one wants to feel like they were lured in with a low number, only to be upsold at their own front door. Unfortunately, this practice is more common than most people realize.
Many companies give intentionally low over-the-phone quotes just to get a salesperson on site. Once they’re standing in your kitchen or walking your property, the price suddenly changes. Homeowners feel blindsided, pressured, and unsure who to trust.
And honestly? They should.
Because over-the-phone quotes are almost always wrong and not because companies are bad at estimating, but because you cannot properly diagnose an infestation without seeing it firsthand.
At AG Pest, we approach this differently.
Instead of tossing out a number just to lock you in, we offer free inspections so you get the real answer, the first time.
Here’s why that matters.
Why Phone Quotes Are Almost Always Misleading
A phone quote is based on assumptions and not facts.
Even if a homeowner does their best to describe the issue, they can’t always see what’s happening behind walls, in crawlspaces, attics, insulation, basements, or under exterior structures.
And pests behave differently based on:
- Type of infestation
- Severity
- Location in the home
- Square footage
- Accessibility
- Structural conditions
- Weather patterns
- Sanitation issues
- Entry points
- And more
A phone rep can’t evaluate those things through a conversation. So what happens?
They give the lowest possible number to make the customer comfortable enough to say yes.
Once the technician arrives, the truth comes out and the price goes up.
This creates three major problems:
- The homeowner feels misled.
- The pest tech feels like the “bad guy.”
- The relationship starts with frustration instead of trust.
This is exactly why we don’t play that game.
Why a Free Inspection Is Always the Better Choice
A free inspection isn’t just a formality, it’s the foundation of an effective, accurate treatment plan.
During an on-site inspection, a trained specialist can determine:
1. What pest is actually present
Many homeowners think they have ants when it’s really termites or carpenter ants. Or they believe they have mice when it’s actually voles or squirrels.
The treatment (and pricing) is completely different depending on the pest.
2. How severe the infestation is
Five ants in the kitchen is one thing. A colony in the walls is another.
Severity directly affects timelines, products used, and cost.
3. Where the pests are entering
This often requires looking at foundation lines, door sweeps, roofing edges, insulation gaps, landscaping, moisture levels, and more.
4. What structural or environmental factors are making the problem worse
Standing water, wood piles, food sources, landscaping touches, and clutter can all contribute to a recurring problem; all something no phone quote can predict.
5. The safest, most effective treatment option
Without seeing the space, there’s no way to guarantee the right treatment method, chemical, or application.
In short:
Phone quotes are guesses.
Inspections are answers.
How Misleading Quotes Hurt Homeowners
When companies intentionally give low phone quotes, most homeowners don’t realize they’re walking into a trap.
Here’s how it typically plays out:
- A homeowner calls and asks, “How much is pest control?”
- The phone rep gives a low “starting price”
- Homeowner schedules service assuming that’s what they’ll pay
- Technician arrives and finds real issues
- Actual price is 2–5× higher
- Homeowner feels pressured because the tech is already there
- Homeowner ends up paying more than expected
- Trust is broken before the relationship even starts
This approach is designed to close sales, not serve the customer.
And it leads to frustration every single time.
Our Approach: Accurate Pricing From the Start
We believe honesty is non-negotiable.
That’s why we always start with a free inspection before giving a final quote.
You’ll know:
- Exactly what pest you’re dealing with
- What treatment is required
- How long it will take
- What the total cost will be
- What to do to prevent the problem from coming back
No surprises. No pressure. No upsells.
Just truth.
This is how pest control should be, and how we choose to operate.
How Our Free Inspections Work
We keep the process simple and stress-free:
Step 1: Schedule your free inspection
Call and schedule.
Step 2: A licensed specialist visits your home
We take the time to actually investigate the source of the issue.
Step 3: We provide a clear, honest treatment plan
You get a written quote based on what’s actually happening and not a guess.
Step 4: No obligation
You decide what’s best for your home and your budget.
Why Homeowners Trust Companies Who Lead With Integrity
Pest control is a service built on trust.
Anyone can spray a product. But not everyone can provide:
- Accurate education
- Transparent pricing
- Long-term solutions
- Respect for your home
- Honest communication
When customers feel informed and supported, they stay with a company for years.
That’s why we choose the path of honesty; even if it means spending more time on inspections or earning a sale more slowly.
The goal isn’t to win a transaction.
The goal is to take care of families and homes across our community.
