We found them through Angie's List. We had a mother raccoon and babies living in the chimney. We are in Boston and we had rented the house out. Our tenants have reported noises in the ceiling and walls. We called American Pest Solutions. They came out promptly. They investigated. They first recommended one solution and soon as they discovered there were baby raccoons, they realized the mother would not leave so they had to change their approach. They were very good at keeping up with us. The communication was good. They let us know what they were doing and when they were doing it. They were not cheap but they got the job done and then sealed both chimneys to make sure this would not happen again. They put a guard over them like a grate so that smoke could still come out and air could flow but the pests could not get back in. I think their price seemed a little high but I think for this kind of work, pest removal, the prices are just high. The key thing is they figured out how to entice the mother raccoon to move herself and her babies out of our chimney to another place. That required understanding the way in which these animals work and think and react to different situations. I would have never understood how to go about doing it. They did and they got the job done. I would use them again.
Description of Work: We used American Pest Solutions for animal removal and pest control services.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$800
Brent Y.
11/2012
3.0
pest control
+ -1 more
Lloyd and Jamah were very thorough, personable, and seemed to know what they were doing. They noted some entry points on my home's perimeter where the mice could possibly be gaining entry. I asked for APS to provide an estimate for the repair work and it was noted on the 10/3/2012 work order. I did not hear back from APS until 11/17/2012, when I received a letter dated 11/15/2012 containing an apology from Mr. Manning as well as an estimate for the structural repairs. In the interim I had contacted a tuckpointing/cement repair company and accepted their proposal to do the work (which however had not yet been done due to their scheduling and the weather). It was just as well because I still hear mice activity within the walls. I thought I would give APS one more try and sent a FAX the evening of 11/18/2012, all the while knowing a $150 charge would be due if they came out a second time. After APS did not call back for two business days, I left a voicemail the morning of 11/21/2012 requesting a callback and notifying them of my FAX of 11/18/2012. It is now the evening of 11/28/2012 and I still have not been contacted, so I have moved on and arranged for another pest control company to see what they can do. I see that there is a review of November 20, 2012 that seems to show a similar pattern of noncommunication from APS for even longer periods of time. Having contacted this company based on the reviews here on Angie's List and Mr. Manning's thoughtful responses to the reviews, I must agree that something must have happened to the reliability of this company. Please note that my ratings of Punctuality and Professionalism reflect the APS representatives that came to my home while the other grades reflect the overall experience with APS. UPDATE: As you can read below from Mr. Manning's reply, he offered to stop by and make a visit to assess the situation. However, as I explained, I had already contacted another company but appreciated the follow-up. It looks as if APS may be back on track, judging from more recent reviews.
Description of Work: APS representatives came out to my home and performed an inspection on October 3, 2012. They did an inspection of the perimeter of my home as well as checking the basement and attic for mouse activity.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
5.0
$225
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear customer: Your report and the one before yours has stirred me up to correct certain inter office communications. As I thought all was set after I wrote you, I did not pursue your concerns further, nor was I aware of multiple calls to our office. I can assure you that the office left messages for me but I did not see these as I was deeply engrossed in several other matters. This is my fault. Since I have already explained how we will improve this portion of our customer service, I will not repeat this again. You will be able to read the entire message that I delivered as a response to the previous report. What I will say is that I would make a personal visit to your home at no further fee to assess the mouse situation that you may still be experiencing. You have called in another company, I read. I am not able to assess the performance of another company. What I am offering is a re-visit that will afirm the mouse proofing information that we received from the two technicians that you have praised so highly. I regret that you had to express your disappointment in our office's slow response. We do not take lightly the fact that you entrusted us with an obligation and we did not respond in a timely manner. When we receive a report such as you have delivered, it does underline certain procedural steps that must be upgraded, and you will read this correction process when reviewing the other report. Normally, a company takes great steps to retain their excellent image---we are not different. We realise that you would have entered a report of better comment if that was the case. Any member that takes the time to provide a report of review is concerned with the need to retain the optimal quality that is provided by the Angie's List format. For my part, I am hoping that other members will take the time to review your report and also my responses and promises. Best regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist www.pestproblemssolved.com
DIANE J.
11/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
I have used this company several times over the past 10 years, as mice continue to find their way into our old house. The company provides a one-year mouse-free guarantee after sealing the entry points. Their claims that they will solve the problem may seem inflated, but they have an A+ rating with the BBB and for us they have always delivered on their guarantees. This time, my initial experience was not so good (but please see last paragraph re: the company's response to my comments here). In October 2011 I saw mice again (after a 2-year hiatus); technicians Lloyd and Jamah came to bait and inspect. I awaited a proposal from George re: sealing entry points; it arrived several months later (along with an apology from George for taking so long). I had contacted a handyman, so didn't respond. Mice reappeared in July 2012; the same technicians came to bait and inspect. I was told the old proposal was no longer valid. The technicians wrote on the work order to send the new proposal "ASAP." No proposal. The weekend before I left on a two-week vacation in early October, mice reappeared. I emailed George and also called the office requesting more bait before I left. The office did not respond to three phone messages (on a Monday); finally they anwered our fourth call and sent the technicians out to bait. The technicians again requested a proposal "ASAP." Eventually the office decided George's original proposal was still valid. The technicians came to do the repair work on 10/29/12. After they left I noticed that they had, without asking, used some lumber that was leaning against my garage. The lumber happened to be rotted soffit boards that had just been replaced on the garage; the contractor had left the boards there to show me that they were rotted. The office refused to give me a senior discount on the repair work (they had given me the discount on the other work). I will call them if the mice reappear during the one-year mouse-free guarantee period, but I don't think I'll use them after that. I actually think my "grades" may be a little too generous, given this experience, but they did get rid of our mice (and squirrels!) in the past for an extended period of time, for which I am grateful. Something has clearly happened that adversely affects the reliability of this company, and I'm sad to see it. Update: As of 12/26/2012, George and I have had several email exchanges. He has responded to all the issues I raised, reports he has made changes in office communications, has extended my "mouse-free warranty" to two years rather than one, and advised me that he arranged a retroactive senior discount and the company will be sending me a check in this amount. This was a very professional and fair response, and I have therefore revised my original "grades" and comments. Office responsiveness may still be an issue, which is why I was a little reserved with that grade, but I give George great credit for his responsiveness.
Description of Work: Baited for mice three times over the period of one year, inspected for mouse entry points three times, sealed off mouse entry points (around the house foundation and under the front door) once.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
$1,000
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear Member: Your recent posting on the Angie's List review pages has set our office into immediate motion to make internal corrections in our inter-office messaging. Your concerns were well-written and deserve our responses to your several complaints that serve as a critique of our company's performance of late..To quote your last sentence of the review, you stated, "Something has clearly happened that adversely affects the reliability of this company, and I am sad to see it". Formerly, we were able to deliver urgent messages back and forth by email. Since our mail is so plentiful on any given day, and when one member of our staff assumes that messages are delivered and acted upon, we have had difficulty verifying the actions taken on messaging. As a result of some of our customer requests for proposals or, occasionally return phone calls, we have become vulnerable to this criticism and we can't deny such. Today, November 29, 2012, we have made changes that will now facilitate quick response time. We will now use a private email address which will be used exclusively by our management team; office manager, field operations manager, and me, the company technical director and employee trainer. We have set a 24 hour turn-around time to respond to those messages that reach our to do concentration. Replies are required by inter-office messaging that will complete the circle. In cases where we must review detail from our service technicians, they will be pressed for detail within that 24 hour period. Because we are not a maintenance company and set our activities to immediate problem solving, we are always dealing with the here and now and never place active pest problems in a monthly or quarterly re-visitation obligation. Our work will usually contain one or two visits followed by a ninety day proving period which serves as a period of guarantee that an existing problem has been resolved. Many cases where problems can recur, we offer more permanent solutions once the existing problem has been removed. With mice such as you experience from time to time, we offer mouse-proofing. You attest to the success that you experienced with a past mouse problem and also with a squirrel problem. The mice have again entered your dwelling after two years. The squirrels have not regained access to the home. Because you have felt let down by our company, and because we are guaranteeing the mouse proofing that you have recently received with a one year warranty against recurrence of mice within the home, we are extending your warranty for an additional year. This should place us in a position of, "the proof is in the pudding", so it is said. You mention that our technicians used a rotten piece of ply wood during the mouse proofing procedure. I checked with them, and they told me that they removed the damaged spots and applied the wood to an area below a thread on an entry stoop where mice found access to the home. They should have asked you if they could use a section of this board. They found it with other matter that was set out for garbage pick-up. Regarding your claim that we did not provide you with a discount: we did. We often offer discounts when advertised on Angie's List to current members; however, you state that you did not receive a senior discount. We will often provide such a discount when it is requested. Either way, a discount was provided. Should you have need , we will revisit that fee and provide you with proof of discount. For general information going forward, you and other clients that have received, or will be receiving mouse-proofing service, an annual fee can extend a warranty from year to year. That service is optional and will be honored when notification is received and a desire to extend such a service is requested. With that service up-date will be a review of the exterior of the building which will include any update work that may address new developments that have appeared since our last visit. Internal inspection will also remain as part of that annual inspection. Finally, I want it understood that a company that provides only solutions can take some time reaching a point of reckoning. It is most important to us that we are succeeding in this endeavor, and it is always important that we receive the highest rating for our work performance. Yours and one other similar complaint has forced us to take a hard look at our conduct of late. For that we thank you. It has been difficult for me to read the report that you have provided, and even more so, the graveness with which other members will respond to a report such as yours. Maybe you have offered our company a way to make "lemonade out of lemons" Best Regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist
Eileen H.
11/2012
5.0
animal removal
+ -1 more
He was very polite, professional. He checked the outside of the house & then inspected inside and placed bait in key points. I'm very impressed with his knowledge & professionalism.
Description of Work: Inspection of house for entry points. Placement of bait throughout the house.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$225
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear Member--- It was gratifying to read your report. Our technicians will not bait a residence without learning just how mice were able to enter in the first place. In most instances, there is no mass entry into a building, but it does happen, although rarely. For the most part, mice will quickly seek concealment, and from there will locate a food source. Populating a dwelling will depend on food availability. Since mice are able to reproduce at six weeks of age, it will be obvious to our technicians, after internal inspection of the entire exterior/interior what is transpiring. Rather than recommending a maintenance program with lower cost monthly or even quarterly visits, we want to resolve the problem immediately; therefor, we assess the situation, and attack it at its root base. We also offer a structural mouse proofing service after the existing presence is terminated. Such service provides a one year guarantee, and is renewable by requesting an annual visit of review and possible update at nominal cost. Again, thanks for your report, and thanks to Angie's List for the space to write this response. Regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist pestproblemssolved.com
Anne L.
10/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
George was very responsive and professional over the phone while I was ordering the deal and scheduled my appointment right away. Mike came out on time. Was very thorough in applying the treatment to all the detailed areas of our new home as I was walking through it with him. Applied plenty of the treatment also to the crawl space and even the drains in the basement - places I wouldn't even have considered. Even went through and applied to exterior of house, around windows and vents. Very happy with both the service and the results. I would recommend them.
Description of Work: Purchased the deal via Angies List - $189 for basic inside and outside pest control services.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$189
Response from American Pest Solutions
Thank you --- This special offer is presented occasionally, since we wish to widen our exposure to the general public. Since we are not a maintenance company per se, we want to solve pest issues in one or two visits. With our service, we always include a guarantee period. This is added because we want to be certain that we have, indeed, resolved a specific problem. There are no other companies that depend entirely on phone calls to operate their companes. They all offer monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual contract service, which they offer as preventive maintenance. Often these are general pest services covering a broad spectrum of arthropod life as well as rodents. Our service is targeted to the problem reported at hand. We think that when people get to know us and realise they do not have to remain chronic customers, they get what they are paying for and can relate to others the value of what we offer. Michael and the rest of us appreciate that you took the time to report your feelings about our service. Best regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist
JOHN C.
10/2012
3.0
pest control
+ -1 more
We were not completely satisfied with their service. The original application did not work and we still had bugs in the home. We called them to return but they charged us for the second application. My wife confronted them and they explained that they charge for the first two and the third one is free. We did not continue with their services.
Description of Work: We were using their services for pest control.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
3.0
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear Angie's member--- We explain to our clients that one visit may not always completely resolve a pest issue. Therefore, we provide a second service when there is need to return. That fee is about half of the first service price. After a second service call we provide an extended guarantee against return of the particular problem. There is no further fee when we are required to return for additional visits. In most general pest problems, our guarantee period is for ninety days after our second visit. If one compares such a service opportunity to those companies that are contracted for maintenance, one will find that ours is the superior service since we commit to resolution and do not attempt to build in multiple service calls. I am sorry that you have misunderstood our program. It is not that a third visit is free. It would be if a visit was still necessary; however, most of our work resolves pest problems in one visit and possibly a second. Should we be offering multiple service calls that are paid during the first two visits, we could not afford the fee structure that we now provide. There is no disguised billing structure that charges more up front to reap larger than necessary profits. We work very diligently to acheive complete resolution through one service and , if needed , a follow-up service call. The question now, and I do not see this answered in your report----Did we resolve your pest problem? Best regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist
MAL G.
10/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
They were very good. They were able to take care of the problem. It took a couple visits, but they did get rid of them. They were courteous.
Description of Work: We had some remodeling done and we didn’t use the kitchen sink for about 6 months. When we did start using the sink we were getting little flies out of the drain.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
JOAN A.
10/2012
4.0
pest control
+ -1 more
They did not respond. I have dealt with them in the past and I had a very good impression then. They did pest related work for me a few years back.
Description of Work: I had left a message for them to do pest control.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000
E S.
10/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
They have been fine. They still have to return for follow up but we have not needed the service. They were friendly, nice, and did a good job. I am happy with the service.
Description of Work: They helped with rodent control.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$350
ELIZABETH T.
10/2012
4.0
animal removal
+ -1 more
They did a great job. They put the trap out and they were able to get him. They did take him away. The only complaint I have is that the guy that came had on either coveralls or a coat that absolutely reeked of skunk. He had to set the trap and come in the house and through a back bedroom. The smell stayed in the house and was horrible. I know the smells come with this business. The next day he came back and had the same clothes on. I would have thought that since he knew it smelled that he would have washed it. What they did was great and he was a great guy.
Description of Work: They were able to remove a raccoon.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear Member--- We appreciate your response; however, you did not call upon our company. We are not trappers. Our work requires us to evict animals and exclude them from re-entry. we have been successful in this pursui for the last 30 years. We are competent at what we do in all our pest elimination work. If you review ou ratings, you will find many clients who were happy with our service. Let me recommend that you contact Angie's List to tell them of the error. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you today. I feel certain that this response will be reviewed prior to it's being posted. If I still see this response in a few weeks, I will call them too. Best regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist www.pestproblemssolved.com
Joyce M.
10/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
They were good. I have not heard of any pest or insect problems. They were able to honor the coupon even after it expired. They did a descent job. It was for a rental property. No problems so far!
Description of Work: I purchased the deal for $250 off annual pest control and more.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear Member--- It is far better to answer a potential customers needs than refusing their request for service based on an outdated coupon. We are rewarded for doing your service well rather than never taking care of your invitation to care for your pest issue properly and with respect for the fact that you purchased our service special in the first place. Thank you for your report. Regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist
MILDRED J.
09/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
In the future, I will personally get the necessary information as well as ask the pertinent questions so that the problem is solved in a timely manner. My niece did not comprehend the instructions given and did not ask questions to better understand what was necessary to assist in the disposal of the animals.
Description of Work: The workmen were courteous and informative. They returned several times to check the different traps. Eventually my neice understood the instructions they had given her and the rodent problem was solved. I would highly recommend Animal Pest Control .
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,350
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear Member--- Communication can sometimes be misunderstood as you describe. I am glad that we did resolve your problem when you became involved. Certainly, you are giving us credit for taking care of your concern. It is not always possible to resolve a problem on our first visit. That is why we state the terms of our service offer, both over the phone, and again when we arrive at our service destination. I see that you rated us with "B" in several categories. You did give us an overall "A". You answered all the questions in the affirmative too. You do say that you would use our service again when and if it becomes necessary. We like to receive "A"s. "B" is passible but we always wonder how we could have been awarded an "A" rather than a "B". We will atempt to reach you for further clarification that can aid us in providing the best possible service that can be provided. Best wishes, George Manning Consulting Entomologist
DAN L.
09/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
First, they performed a thorough inspection. Then, they came back to seal exterior access points to the building and bait interior access points to the apartments and basement areas. For a few weeks, it seemed like the problem was on its way to being solved. Then the tenants started reporting evidence of a newly growing mouse population - seeing mice, droppings, or bags of bait that had been eaten. The guys came back, re-assessed the problem, and recommended an extensive exterior sealing plan that involved pulling up boards on the back porches and sealing under the threshold of each back door. This was an expensive fix but I had already decided I liked how they worked and trusted their judgment. After completing the new, more elaborate exterior seal, they re-baited each apartment, coming back several times to gain access to each apartment and re-bait as needed. Each of the guys that came out to work on the building was very knowledgeable about pest behavior and worked hard at the often difficult and dirty task of locating access points and sealing or baiting as needed. I also talked with the owner on occasion and found him to be a very thoughtful and honorable man. I highly recommend this company.
Description of Work: American Pest Solutions worked with me over a period of several months to eliminate a mouse infestation in a 16-unit rental property. This company is different from other extermination companies (that I've worked with anyway) because their goal is to eliminate the pest population altogether rather than reduce and manage it through a never-ending pest control maintenance program.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,800
Karlyn C.
07/2012
2.0
pest control
+ -1 more
I had two Pest Removal companies come out to provide opinions/quotes for work etc. I had ask APS to come out and assist with rodent removal/elimination under a deck in the yard. They came out a few days after I called them, two gentleman came on site and seemed knowledgeable enough. They did an alley walk-thru, as well as, a walk around my property. They mentioned how they thought the rodents came about being under my deck and discuss how we could do protection around the fencing, etc. Again they seemed very knowledgeable. They made a make shift bait trap out of a shoebox that I supplied, placed under my deck and also a placed smoke bomb into one of the holes under the deck directly right next to the house. The smoke bomb I later found out was not ideal to use since it was right next to the house under a wood deck. This can cause air quality issues within the house (meaning its highly toxic) and is also fire hazard. They gave me a quote for two REAL (not shoe boxes) bat boxes $125 each for two area's where they thought the rodents might be coming from. Apparently, these boxes where mine to keep. They mentioned it would be $297.50 for the days service and that they would call that following Monday and send a write up with what they did and the next action plans. I received zero follow-up calls, nor any write-ups on any plans or next steps. Not even a phone call, no voice message, no email, no letter in the mail, as to how things are doing, zero follow-up. In my mind they came took my money and ran. I had asked a competitor to come out and they have been at my place three times and they were about $100, cheaper. In all I believe my issue has been rectified by the other company. I would not use this company again nor recommend them. Maybe they are over worked, who knows, they have poor customer service in follow-up AFTER they get your initial service fee in their hands.
Description of Work: Rodent Control/Removal and Elimination I
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
3.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
4.0
$297.5
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear Member--- I attempted to respond to this report much earlier; however, I must have neglected to check off the small box at the lower left of my comments that would confirm that my responses are true and accurate and represent my actual first-hand experiences. It also gives credence to the review board of Angie's List that will check for fairness of response. I have been seeing your very negative report for several months now; at first waiting for my expected response to appear, and later, not setting aside the time for a thoughtful response. I am doing so now, and would enjoy a direct communuication with you if you feel that we can arrive at some accord: You did indicate that our two technicians appeared professional and thoughtful in their going about pursuing a solution to your on-going rat presence in the rear yard of your home. It did strike me a bit unusual that these techs asked you for a shoe box as a temporary location within to place rat poison. That was explained to me by these techs as a safe application below your porch deck until they could return with our custom-built bait station that would prevent domestic pets or even squirrels from removing the poisoned bait from within the station. The fact that we did not get back to you immediately, as these techs had promised, was a transmission oversight; since their report did not check off the follow-up box on their work order. Since we did not hear from you as you expected us to contact you, it could, indeed, appear as you have intimated, that we took your payment and then disappeared from your situation at hand. For that, we do admit to not reading the report immediately, and questioning these technicians in detail. That opportunity slipped by us, quite innocently. Your statement regarding our "fumigation" of burrows that were created by rats below your porch as unsafe and is inaccurate. The product inserted in the burrows contains the active ingredients sodium nitrate-46%; sulfur-34.8%; charcoal-8.4% plus some inert ingredients listed as other-10.3%. The use of this product prohibits its use where it could penetrate the home from seepage such as through the foundation of the home. It does not prohibit use of the product where the gases produced from the igniting of the product will permit some gases to escape directly to the above ground air where they will rapidly dispurse. Our technicians knew that and followed caution as prescribed by the manufacturer, Atlas Chemical Corp., Box 141, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406; EPA Reg. No. 10551-1. After speaking with the technicians in detail, I learned that your rat invasion appears to be arriving from some surrounding rat staging area nearby but not identified. This can be because rats may be building a community within some other property not accessible to review. When we recommend trying bait stations as opposed to open baiting, this was for safety reasons; however, our requirement to follow up on an initial service call is a combined reason for monitoring our effort and further evaluating the rat demographics within and surrounding your home. I believe that any company that has established a baiting program within your property as a maintenance offering, will be destined to ultimate failure unless the program reaches the nearby rat activity in such a way as to cull out the entire local population at hand. I am offering you my own vast experience as an expert in these matters at no fee. I will spend the time and energy to help you get to the bottom of this situation that you have. I do not believe that the company that you hired after us is able to produce the results that you are expecting, and certainly, as you stated, much less costly than the fee that you paid to us. All in all, we are extremely sensitive to the customer satisfaction ratings. We are considered by most as the best possible choice for rat termination. I will be sending you a letter after I see this response when it appears below your report. Until then, regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist www.pestproblemssolved.com
Tobyn F.
07/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
Erik and another young man were extremely professional. The quote he gave me over the phone was exactly what I paid after his services. Erik was on time, said he would be at my place between 1-2 and he was. He explained every step of the process and even used his iPad to pull up informational websites so we knew exactly what we were dealing with and understood the process he was using. Erik and his partner were quick with the job and were very clean. I will def use them again in the future and will highly recommend them to others.
Description of Work: Had an issue with roaches. Gave them a call around 8:30pm on a Monday night and received a call back within 30 mins from Erik. Erik asked me a few questions and was at my house the next day.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$180
TODD M.
06/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
Spoke with George and came up with a solution to rid our home of silverfish and the team came out the following week to implement it. They were extremely knowledgeable and courteous! I would highly recommend them.
Description of Work: Treated for silverfish
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$400
Keri F.
06/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
It went great. We liked the person that came out. They gave us competitive rates. It solved our ant issue. The staff’s friendliness and professionalism was great.
Description of Work: I used the services of American Pest Solutions for an ant treatment.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
Paula L.
05/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
I was pleased with the services received from this organization and would use them again in the future.
Description of Work: I called the company with an ant problem and scheduled a service call for 3 days later. In the meantime I purchased and used traditional ant traps. By the time the service call came around there were no ants in sight. The serviceman arrived promptly and on-time. He studied our house and indicated that he didn't think his services were needed at this time and that there was no need for me to spend the additional money if we aren't seeing ants currently. He didn't charge me for his house call! He provided an honest assessment of the situation and didn't try to sell me any services that weren't needed.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Tricia A.
05/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
Ants were entering my home in several locations on the first floor as well as in the upstairs bathroom. I contacted American Pest Solutions based on their rating and their promise of resolving the situation in one visit. The price was high, however it was less expensive then buying a monthly services from another vendor. The representative was punctual, professional and friendly, explaining the approach and what he was going to do. He advised me that as he was putting out bait, I would see more ants initially as they came to feed on the bait, however within 1 to 2 weeks they would be gone. If not, I should call again for a follow-up. However, all proceeded as he stated. The first few days I saw an increase in ants, more outside than in, but an increase, and them in a few days the number of ants dwindled, and within a week, I did not see ants inside the hours, and the number of ants around the outside doorways and walks also dmished. I should also mentioned, that I had put out bait myself, several times through May and June, which I purchased at the hardware storre; however, it had not resolved the problem. The combination of the bait used by American Pest, and the representative's knowledge of bait placement really made a difference in the results.
Description of Work: Ant abatement and elimination inside and outside the house
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
Shirley R.
05/2012
4.0
pest control
+ -1 more
They seemed to be knowledgeable. They were supposed to give me an estimate to seal something off, but I never heard back from them about it.
Description of Work: They put mouse bait out in the basement.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$125
SHERI K.
05/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
They're just good people. They get out here, and know what they're doing. The guy that owns the company is familiar with the industry. I would definitely recommend them.
Description of Work: They took care of some rodents that were in the house.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
NICHELLE W.
04/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
They were very professional and thorough. The technician was very good with informing me on what was being done, as well as the results of the treatment.
Description of Work: I use them for pest control services.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$650
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear Member--- We appreciate your report, and want to make several comments. firstly, we see that you rated our fee as a "C". When we do squirrel work, our minimum fee is $650. If you were to contact another company, you would not have received the one year guarantee that we supplied you with this service. Other companies are trappers or they will try to get the squirrels out of the building by chemical means, as far as we know. Trappers will charge for each individual catch, and at times when squirrels are not breeding, there can be multiple squirrels in the building; certainly, October 11, was not breeding season. We do all of our own carpentry work, and make the needed structural corrections if needed. Our prices depend on the degree of work required to prevent squirrels from gnawing their way back into the building. This kind of service requires extreme know how, and not the trappers' type of savvy. Trappers, according to their licensing regulations, must euthanize the squirrels that they catch, notify the State that they have stored the carcasses under refrigeration, and hold them until the State either picks them up or releases the hold on them. The trapper can then contact a renderer who will utilize the carcasses. We think this is useful information, but one more thing-----Squirrels that are released away from their birth place/out of their territory, will be attacked by squirrels in the visited territory. Best regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist
Wade W.
03/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
This is the 2nd year I have used American Pest Solutions to rid my house of ants. They are professional on the phone, show up exactly at the appointed time, answer all of your questions, and use pet-friendly ant baits/This is the 2nd year I have used American Pest Solutions to rid my house of ants. They are professional on the phone, show up exactly at the appointed time, answer all of your questions, and use pet-friendly ant baits/poison. Last year, although they said that a different breed of ant may appear later in the season, we never saw any more ants in the house. This year, we called them the day we 1st saw ants in the house, they came the next day, and the ants quickly disappeared.
Description of Work: Ant extermination. Baited for ants inside and around the outside of the house.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$145
Response from American Pest Solutions
Thank you Member; Your feed-back is valuable to us. The points that you outlined are always the ones we try to maintain. We know that your time is important. We stress that being late may be a factor such as driving time delays; however, when this happens, we always want to call our customer so that a scheduling adjustment might be factored in. We are not a pest mitigation company. Our intention is always to eliminate an existing pest problem. this requires a correct identification of the pest, such as species of ant in your case. From this knowledge, we can project the success of a singl;e or possibly a follow-up service interaction. When we do require a follow-up, we do provide a 90 day warranty against recurrence. Ants are often difficult to wipe out; again species is an important I.D. Some specie have multiple queens, and can be stressed by chemical contact, causing dissemination of queens that can re-establish elsewhere.. It is more often than not, useful to apply baits that attract the foragers that may take the poisoned bait back to the colony(s). With this process, queen(s), and larvae can be poisoned, and the colony will soon implode. Foragers will carry dry baits in their mandibles(jaws). This often permits the foragers to out live the colony. Happenings such as a new influx of ants seen after several days of quiet, can mean that the colony is in a dying mode, and the foragers are attempting to resuscitate through new food supplies. With gel or liquid baits, the forager must store the bait in its crop, when back home, regurgitate the material, transfering its contents to the nurse ants that attend to the young and to the queen and unmated reproductives. The nurse ants, foragers, and colony can be more quickly effected, since the poison is easily absorbed when passed through the "chain". Certain times of the season, protein baits will be more atractive to ants, especially early the Spring. Later in the season, carbohydrates may trump protein attraction. Carpenter ants are a finnicky bunch. If you know the location of their abode, particularly where they enter into a tree trunk, do not place the poison directly at the entry way. The guard ants will attack the bait to remove it. If the bait is left at the base of the tree, and picked up and carried back to the colony, the foragers with their poison material will be accepted home again. In fact, the colony will read signals that are telegraphed to fellow ants. They will become interested in reaching the active pheromone trail set down by the ant(s) that carried the bait that interested the colony. In this way, ants will reach a bait that was placed strategically by the pest technician. In these cases, the technician must forewarn the customer not to kill the foragers, but to wait through the process of carrying bait back to the colony. We stress patience when baiting, but we want reports to be forth-coming when our customer has made observations to report or has questions. Finally, such as in your case, ants recurred on the following year. Ideal niche locations can attract ants to a spot formerly occupied by a previous colony. Odor (pheromone smell) will remain even when a former colony is gone. These comments are intended to enlighten; however, there are many more aspects to the ant sleuthing that our technician may have to consider. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your message, and, oh, by the way, price is a factor, we do know that. We price to immediate success. Unlike our brethren in this field of endeavor, that want to supply lower prices per visit, but set agreements that will require multiple visits, and subsequently higher cummulative prices; we provide the guarantees that halt add on prices. Best regars, George Manning Consulting Entomologist www.pestproblemssolved.com
THERESA D.
03/2012
5.0
pest control
+ -1 more
The price was reasonable. I was pleased with the service they gave me. I discovered something additional within 30 days of when they had come and they came back and inspected the new work I had discovered, and it was a minimal fee.
Description of Work: They provided basic extermination work for me; they also looked at some termite damage that was already there.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Response from American Pest Solutions
Thanks Member--- Your pest problem is our opportunity to succeeed again. Your comments do help us to reach more inquiring people. These days of the internet, companies can appear overnight; however, the referral policies incorporated in the angie'slist.com approach, will, eventually thin out the contenders that do not build the confidence that is necessary to sustain public interest. We know how important is reputation to Angie's List. Thanks for being our customer. Regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist
Greykell D.
03/2012
5.0
pest control, animal removal
+ 0 more
I am happy to see that in the last 9 months I have not seen any ants nor have the birds attempted to take up residence in my dryer vents again. It was a bit pricy, but the job was complicated and they gave me a break on price due to having two unrelated problems. I was happy with the price.
Description of Work: Removed Bird nest and eggs from second floor dryer vent and placed a screen to prevent that happening again. Treated the house for ants with poison.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Response from American Pest Solutions
Dear Member: Thanks for your response. Exhaust vents are often a nesting place of starlings. These are the same birds that gather in huge flocks in the Fall, deffecating over anything below, and providing noise and sanitation conditions. In Spring, they will often succeed in entering an exhaust vent. The have learned that lifting the baffle with their beaks will open a passage to the interior of the exhaust system, whereby, they will proceed to make their nests. When I say nests, I am referring to multiple exhausts, because only one family will occupy one exhaust system. Many cheaper baffles will get stuck in the open position after time, and will make entry easier for the offending birds. Bird mites can invade a home attacking the occupants of the home. Although not long-lived away from an avian host, they can persist for several weeks after wandering from a nest recently vacated by the nesting birds. They will bite but will not be able to reproduce on other than birds. We must not only remove nests and their contents but also treat the exhaust systems to destroy mites before they become a home invader. Correct closure of the vent without disrupting the function of the baffle is an important feature of our bird exclusion work. Thanks again for using our service. George Manning Consulting Entomologist Regards, George Manning Consulting Entomologist
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Service Categories
Pest Control,
Animal Removal
FAQ
American Pest Solutions is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.
American Pest Solutions accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,PayPal,Visa
No, American Pest Solutions does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, American Pest Solutions offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, American Pest Solutions does not offer a senior discount.
No, American Pest Solutions does not offer emergency services.
No, American Pest Solutions does not offer warranties.
Trapping, fumigation & weed control. We also do not remove dead animals.
Contact information
10404 South Kedzie Avenue Unit A, Chicago, IL 60655