What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Silver and Gold Bundle Packages are our best discount offerings. You can save 4% paying a year in advance. First responders, teachers, and senior citizen discounts.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
New potential customers first speak with a member of our administrative team, who reviews service options and pricing over the phone. Once the customer decides, the representative schedules the appointment and sets up their account. The local pest control route manager then visits the property, conducts the service, and provides a detailed service report. Future services are scheduled and communicated based on the customer’s preferred method, such as text, email, or phone call.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
All employees receive comprehensive internal training along with state-required certification for pest and termite control, as mandated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Product-specific training is provided through manufacturer-led modules and in-person sessions during scheduled meetings. Additionally, our experienced operations and office managers provide ongoing training to their teams. Martin Exterminating also offers reimbursement for education and college-level certifications related to entomology.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
Martin Exterminating was founded in 1973 by the late Jim Martin and is now proudly owned by the Thompson family. As the current owner, my journey in this industry began after witnessing my father’s passion for his career in pest control. He initially pursued this field as a stable career while living at the beach, excelling in both sales and service before seizing the opportunity to purchase his own pest control company. What makes serving this rural community so special is that we can continue as a family-owned and operated business—small enough to know you personally, yet large enough to meet all your pest control needs.
What types of customers have you worked with?
We serve a wide range of customers, though we are primarily a full-service residential pest control company. In addition to homes, we also provide services for commercial accounts, including government buildings, paper mills, hospitals, restaurants, and apartment complexes. Essentially, anyone in need of our services can be our customer. We specialize in pest, termite, wildlife, and mosquito control, as well as crawl space encapsulations and insulation—both of which have become increasingly popular for improving home health and safety while protecting families from pests.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
One of my favorite recent projects was a beautiful waterfront lake house on Lake Gaston that had been somewhat neglected and was dealing with significant pest issues. The homeowners were facing rodent problems, with mice in the crawl space and squirrels in the attic, along with moisture issues. They needed a full attic remediation and crawl space encapsulation.
Our team handled everything within a week, and the homeowners were thrilled with the results. They were especially impressed that we could complete the entire project while they were away, thanks to remote access. We kept them updated through FaceTime, photos, and videos, allowing them to see the progress before, during, and after the work was completed. In the end, they were so satisfied with the job that they opted to finance the project, and we were able to secure a great plan for them.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
The old saying, "get three quotes," is outdated. Sure, you get three quotes—then what? Pick the cheapest and risk poor quality? Choose the smoothest talker and get ripped off? Unless you're supporting a friend’s new startup, the only real way to choose a service provider is by reputation.
At Martin Exterminating, we’ve been in business for over 50 years with zero negative litigation. We have over 500 five-star reviews and serve more than 3,000 active customers. Our team is obsessed with customer service and will go above and beyond to ensure satisfaction. The only rule? Nothing illegal, immoral, or unethical—everything else is on the table to take care of our customers.
I always tell my team: You don’t work for me. You work for our customers. They’re the real boss.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Before reaching out to a pest control company, ask yourself a few key questions:
1. Is the company licensed and insured?
Verify professional pest control licenses through your state’s Department of Agriculture website.
2. Does the company have a strong reputation?
Look for a company with multiple positive reviews. A well-reviewed company takes pride in its service and is more likely to meet or exceed your expectations. Be cautious of businesses with little to no online presence or a pattern of negative reviews.
3. Do you understand your pest control needs?
Research the issue you’re dealing with—whether it’s pests, termites, or moisture control. Having a basic understanding of your problem and potential solutions will help you determine what services you truly need versus what may just be nice to have.
When speaking with a pest control representative, ask:
• How experienced is the company?
• Can they provide customer referrals or recommendations?
(For residential services, check online reviews. For business services or large projects like attic remediation or crawl space encapsulation, consider reaching out to past customers for references.)
• Can they provide pictures, videos, or a copy of the service agreement?
These steps will help you confidently choose a pest control provider. If the company hesitates or fails to provide clear answers, that could be a red flag to look elsewhere.
