If bugs and other pests are making your house their home, there are some things you need to know before you bring in an exterminator. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland says complaints about pest control companies include treatments which are not effective, and pests not fully exterminated. And there are also issues between consumers and pest control experts on the cost of services and the payment process.

BBB President and CEO Angie Barnett says, in some instances, the consumer's expectations are not met. "They assumed the pest control would, for example, totally eliminate the stink bug that we're experiencing," she says. "Not being satisfied with the product that's delivered, or maybe over expectation or under expectation."

Before you contact an exterminator, Barnett advises consumers to know exactly what they want from pest control experts. "Once you identify what your need is, go out and search some businesses. You want to get your neighbors, if they're having the same problems with pests, whether its rodents, ants or stink bugs, who have they used, what kind of luck have they had. So you get references."

When you've received the names of exterminators, Barnett says gets some price quotes and ask what chemicals they will use, and whether they will be harmful to children or pets. As it is with any contract, read the fine print before signing. "And ask them what you should expect? How long does it take? When will I actually see results," she says.

Finally, the BBB says make sure the company meets all licensing requirements which you can verify with the Maryland Department of Agriculture; and make sure the company participates in workers compensation, and has coverage for potential property damage and personal liability.

To check out a company's rating, and see how it has responded to complaints in the past, you can go to www.bbb.org.