Questions to ask before booking fumigation

You've spotted signs of an infestation—droppings in the pantry, a musty smell in the roof, beetles in the bedroom—and a fumigation service has just quoted you. Before you sign anything, you need to know whether this operator knows what they're doing, whether they'll actually solve the problem, and whether your family will be safe during and after. The questions you ask now separate a thorough, trustworthy pest controller from someone who'll do a surface spray and leave you with the same problem in three weeks.

"What pest are we actually treating for?"

This is your first checkpoint. A good fumigator will tell you exactly which pest they've identified and explain why they're confident about the diagnosis. They should ask you detailed questions: Where did you see it? How many? Over what timeframe? Do you know if it's seasonal?

An evasive answer—"Oh, it's just general spraying" or "We'll get whatever's there"—is a red flag. Different pests need different treatment methods, timing, and chemicals. If they haven't inspected thoroughly or won't commit to what they're treating, they're probably not equipped to solve your specific problem. Ask them to describe what they saw during their inspection and which pest it matches. A thorough operator will walk you through their findings.

"How long will treatment take, and what does it involve?"

Fumigation isn't one thing. Some infestations need a single intensive treatment. Others need a series of targeted applications over weeks. Some need a combination of fumigation and exclusion work—sealing entry points so pests don't return.

A credible fumigator will explain their method step-by-step and give you realistic timelines. They should tell you:

• How many visits they're planning and why
• Which chemicals or methods they'll use (ask them to name these)
• How long the treatment takes on each visit
• When you'll see results and what "results" actually looks like for your pest

If they're vague about method or promise a one-visit cure for a serious infestation, be sceptical. Some problems take time to resolve properly.

"What needs to happen before you arrive, and what are my responsibilities afterwards?"

You're not just hiring them to show up. Fumigation effectiveness depends heavily on preparation and follow-up. A professional will give you a detailed prep checklist: remove or cover food, move furniture away from walls, open cupboards, ensure pets are out, ventilate properly afterwards.

Ask them specifically:

• Do I need to leave the house, and for how long?
• What happens to pets and plants?
• How long until the space is safe for children to re-enter?
• Will you provide written instructions I can follow?
• Who do I call if something goes wrong?

If they're dismissive about prep—"Don't worry, we'll manage"—they're cutting corners. Proper fumigation requires a controlled environment. Similarly, ask what you need to do after they leave. Some treatments need ventilation; others need surfaces left undisturbed for a period. A thorough operator gives this in writing.

"Are you registered and insured, and can I verify it?"

Ask to see their registration with the relevant professional bodies and their insurance certificate. Request their registration numbers so you can check them independently if you want to. Ask whether they use approved chemicals registered for domestic use in South Africa.

Don't just take their word. A trustworthy fumigator is comfortable with verification because they have nothing to hide. If they're evasive or say "It's all fine, don't worry about it," that's your cue to look elsewhere.

Take notes during the conversation and compare answers from two or three operators. The fumigator who answers every question clearly, explains their reasoning, and gives you everything in writing is the one most likely to solve your problem without surprises. Strove's verified pest-control providers on their platform have been checked for credentials and customer feedback, which can speed up your shortlisting process.