When it comes to protecting your home and yard, not all lawn and pest control companies are created equal. Whether you’re dealing with fire ants, weeds, termites, or an unhealthy lawn, choosing the right team makes all the difference in results, safety, and peace of mind.
At Brock Lawn & Pest Control, we believe in educating homeowners so you can make informed decisions—and that starts with asking the right questions before hiring any company.
Here are 7 important questions to ask before hiring a lawn and pest control service:
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in the State of Florida?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. Any lawn and pest control company working in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This ensures that they’re trained in the safe and proper handling of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
Here’s what a professional company should have:
- Certified Pest Control Operator (PCO) License – Required for the supervision of pest control services.
- ID Cards for every employee– Every employee of a legitimate Pest Control Company is required by the State to have in their possession an ID card issued by the Dept. of Agriculture. This card will have their individual ID number as well as their photo on the back. If they have no State ID card in their possession, walk away especially if they are trying to sell you something.
- Limited Commercial Fertilizer Applicator License (LF) – Required for applying fertilizer to turf or landscape in urban areas.
- Business License – Registered to legally operate in Florida.
- Vehicle/Equipment Inspections – Compliant with state regulations on transporting and storing chemical products.
Insurance is equally important. Reputable companies carry:
- General Liability Insurance – To protect your property in case of accidental damage.
- Workers’ Compensation – To protect their employees and you in the event of a job-site injury.
When you hire a licensed and insured company, you’re protecting your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
- Brock Lawn & Pest Control holds all required state licenses and carries full insurance coverage for every job we perform.
2. What Types of Pests and Lawn Issues Do You Treat?
Some companies specialize in certain services—like just termites or just fertilization. You’ll want to hire a company that can handle the full spectrum of local pest and lawn issues, especially here in Florida, where our warm climate is ideal for everything from chinch bugs to invasive weeds.
- We offer complete lawn and pest solutions—one call handles it all.
3. Do You Offer Custom Treatment Plans or Just One-Size-Fits-All Services?
Every property is different. The pests, soil type, and landscaping needs in Panama City aren’t the same as those in Marianna or Dothan. A good company will assess your specific needs and develop a plan tailored to your property—not just spray and go.
- At Brock, we start with a thorough inspection and create a treatment plan designed just for your lawn or home.
4. Are Your Treatment Methods Safe for Kids, Pets, and the Environment?
Safety should always be a top priority. Ask what products the company uses and whether they’re approved by the EPA. A reputable company will be transparent about their methods and explain how you can safely re-enter your yard or home after treatment.
- We only use products that are safe when applied correctly (beware the baseboard jockey) and follow all guidelines to keep your family protected.
5. Do You Offer a Guarantee or Follow-Up Services?
If the bugs come back… will they? A trustworthy company stands behind their work and will offer re-treatment or follow-ups if the problem isn’t solved after the first visit.
- Brock Lawn & Pest Control offers satisfaction guarantees with all our recurring service plans.
6. What Kind of Training Do Your Technicians Receive?
It’s not enough to just have the licenses—the people applying the products need to be trained, certified, and experienced.
A professional company should require:
- Initial and Ongoing Training – The state of Florida requires 40 hours of initial training Including pest identification, safe pesticide application, lawn and soil science, equipment handling, and customer service for every technician. At Brock, we always go far above and beyond the minimum requirements with training to ensure our Technicians and Product Specialists are the most knowledgeable professionals in the region.
- State Certification – Many companies have Certified Operators (separate from Licensed Technicians) which requires a minimum of 3 years experience and numerous hours of training, testing and certifications through the state. At Brock we have 7 Certified Operators, more than most any other company in the region.
- Regular Continuing Education – Laws, products, and best practices are always evolving. A reputable company keeps its team up to date.
Look for companies that provide both hands-on training and classroom instruction to ensure their team understands both the science and the safety behind the services they offer.
- At Brock, every technician undergoes rigorous training and ongoing education to ensure safe, effective, and professional service every time we visit your property.
7. Can I Read Reviews or See Local References?
Online reviews and testimonials are a great way to learn about a company’s reputation. Look for companies with verified customer feedback, photos of past work, or a presence in your local community.
- We’re proud to serve our neighbors in Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Fort Walton Beach, and beyond—with hundreds of happy customers to show for it.
Don’t Settle When It Comes to Your Lawn & Home
Choosing the right lawn and pest control company can save you money, time, and frustration down the road. Ask the right questions, do your homework, and don’t be afraid to expect great service.
Brock Lawn & Pest Control has provided complete lawn and pest services, including rodent control, to thousands of families, schools, and businesses, in the Florida Panhandle. Brock Lawn and Pest Control provides extermination services and lawn care to cities such as: Panama City, Destin, Marianna, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, and Tyndall Airforce Base. We serve the following counties: Bay, Gulf, Jackson, Washington, South Walton, Holmes, and Calhoun.
Our team members are fully licensed and insured. All of our work is performed by our highly qualified in-house staff. We offer both residential and commercial pest control services for buildings and lawns.
We feature the most advanced products and service programs available! We serve the homeowner and business owner with professional service you can count on. Brock offers the highest standards of protection against any invading pests with innovative, cutting edge systems and materials that offer the finest balance of effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
Call us to schedule an estimate and we will help you take your lawn back!
