Running a successful pest control business requires you to be good at more than just spraying bugs and sealing up entry points. An important part of the equation? Keeping tabs on your customer reviews.
Knowing what folks are saying about your services can mean the difference between building trust with new customers or losing out to the competition.
Unfortunately, monitoring pest control reviews isn’t just about checking a star rating and calling it a day. You need to take the time to understand how your business is being perceived, responding thoughtfully, and using customer feedback to improve your work.
Not sure how to do that, or how to do that effectively? You’re in the right place.
Why You Need to Monitor Pest Control Reviews
Good reviews boost your ego, sure, but they also build credibility. When potential customers are researching pest control services, they’re relying on reviews to decide if your company is trustworthy. According to studies, the majority of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
And it doesn’t stop there. Reviews (both positive and negative) also impact your local search visibility. The more reviews (and responses) you have, the better your chances are of showing up in local Google searches.
Fewer reviews or unanswered complaints? That sends a shaky message you probably don’t want to broadcast.
Now, you might be wondering if monitoring pest control reviews is worth your time since you’re already juggling appointments, managing employees, and keeping your customers happy.
It’s absolutely worth it. The trick is to make it part of your routine, not some monumental task.
Knowing Where to Look for Reviews
Start by figuring out where your reviews are coming from. The major platforms for pest control businesses include Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Angi.
Google is a top contender since its reviews directly affect search engine rankings (and customers pretty much live there). Yelp holds weight for mom-and-pop businesses, while Facebook is great for combining reviews with community engagement.
However, don’t forget industry-specific platforms like the Better Business Bureau or other local directories that focus on home services. Each platform offers its unique reach and potential, so casting a wide enough net will help you make sure you’re not missing feedback that matters.
Creating accounts on these platforms isn’t enough, though. You also need tools to track them efficiently. There are all kinds of different reputation management software out there, like BirdEye, Podium, or BrightLocal. These tools notify you whenever someone leaves a review so you can respond promptly without having to manually check every platform.
How to Monitor Pest Control Reviews the Right Way
It’s one thing to collect reviews, but how you monitor and respond to them separates the pros from the amateurs. Here are the must-dos to help you stay on top of your reviews:
1. Make Consistency Your Friend
Checking reviews once in a blue moon isn’t going to cut it. Assign a specific time weekly (or even daily) to monitor pest control reviews across all of your platforms. Whether it’s early in the morning with your coffee or as you wind down your day, pick a routine that becomes second nature.
Why does this matter? For starters, consistency shows your customers that you’re engaged. It also means nothing falls through the cracks. A frustrated customer who doesn’t get a prompt response might decide to air their grievances somewhere else, which can then easily snowball into bad publicity.
2. Respond, Don’t Ignore
Responding to reviews is an art, but fortunately, it’s one that’s easy to master.
Positive reviews? Acknowledge them with genuine gratitude. Keep it simple but sincere. Something like, “Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to know you were happy with our service.”
Negative reviews call for more finesse. Resist the urge to get defensive. Instead, start by acknowledging the issue, apologize if appropriate, and offer to resolve it. Keep it professional at all times; remember, you’re not just replying to one customer. Others (including future customers who haven’t worked with you yet) will be reading how you handle criticism and determining whether they want to hire you.
For example, if someone complains your exterminator was late, own it. You can say, “We’re sorry we didn’t meet expectations. We strive for punctuality and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Please contact us directly so we can make things right.”
3. Spot Patterns in Feedback
The goal isn’t just to check a box and move on. Use your reviews as a learning tool. By consistently monitoring pest control reviews, you can spot trends.
Are multiple people praising your technicians’ professionalism? Great—lean into that during your marketing.
On the flip side, are there repeated complaints about scheduling or communication issues? Review feedback will provide you with an unfiltered look at areas that might need improving.
Remember, some feedback might seem nitpicky, but small tweaks to your business processes can make a big difference over time.
Leveraging Reviews to Boost Business
Now that you’re actively monitoring pest control reviews, what do you do with all that valuable information? In short: use it to your advantage.
First, showcase your top reviews. Your website, social media, and even email campaigns are perfect places to display glowing feedback. Customers want to work with companies they trust, so don’t be shy about letting your happy customers do the talking.
When they’re paired with images of your team or completed jobs, reviews bring in that much-needed social proof. For example, sharing a customer quote like, “They were fast, efficient, and professional! No more ants in my kitchen!” alongside photos of your service team could make your next potential customer pick up the phone.
You can also encourage more customers to leave reviews. It’s as easy as sending a follow-up email or text after a job well done. Something non-pushy like, “Hey [Customer’s First Name], thanks for letting us take care of your pest issue today! If you were happy with our service, would you mind sharing your experience? Here’s a quick link.”
Simple, right? That’s the idea.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
There are plenty of best practices, but it’s also helpful to know what not to do when you’re monitoring pest control reviews.
The first? Don’t copy and paste generic responses (“Thank you for your feedback” doesn’t count). A personalized touch, even if it just means including the customer’s name, goes a long way in establishing trust.
Also, don’t wait weeks to respond. By then, the customer has likely moved on. Fresh replies show that you’re proactive, attentive, and genuinely care about customer satisfaction.
Finally, avoid arguing with negative reviews online. Even if the critique feels totally unfair, responding with hostility will only make your business look bad. Public perception matters more than being “right” in these situations.
The Bottom Line
If you want your pest control business to stand out, monitoring pest control reviews is a non-negotiable. It’s not just about collecting stars like they’re trophies, but instead, about listening to your customers, making meaningful changes, and showcasing your best work to new prospects.
Stay consistent, respond thoughtfully, and use the insights gained to grow your business. Remember, those reviews you’ve been ignoring could very well be the key to climbing higher on search results and helping your bottom line.
Set aside time this week to start monitoring pest control reviews across your platforms. The results, both in customer satisfaction and business growth, might just surprise you.
And if you need help getting started as you build your brand, whether it’s in handling customer reviews, building a stunning website, or managing your social media outreach, give IronChess SEO a call. We’re experts in all things pest control marketing, and we’ll give your business the boost it needs today.
