Door-to-Door Pest Control Contracts: Before You Sign

There is nothing wrong with buying pest control from someone who knocks. Just check the same things you would check with any company.

Check these at the door

• a Solicitor's card issued by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture says a representative soliciting business should have one.
• The company name, so you can look up its charter in the state's public search. Our charter guide shows how.
• The charter number on the company vehicle. The Department says a company may do business legally in Tennessee only if that number is visible on its vehicle.

Red flags

• A price that is only good if you sign right now.
• A long contract, often a year or more, with automatic renewal and a cancellation fee.
• Termite claims without evidence. The Department of Agriculture suggests you ask to be shown the damage and verify that termites are present before signing for termite treatment.
• No written list of what each visit includes.
• Reluctance to give you the product label or safety data sheet, which you have the right to ask for.

Your right to cancel

The FTC's Rule Concerning Cooling-Off Period for Sales Made at Homes covers most sales of $25 or more made at your residence. The seller must give you a notice that says you may cancel the transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within three business days from the date of the sale, along with a cancellation form. If you cancel, the seller has to return payments within ten business days.

Mail or deliver the cancellation form before midnight of the third business day, and keep a copy. If you didn't get a cancellation form, that is itself a problem with the sale.

Compare before you commit

The Department of Agriculture's advice for a company you don't know: always get three bids or check the Tennessee Department of Agriculture website for a list of chartered companies. Compare what each visit includes, the contract length, and the cancellation terms, not just the price. National guides put a one-time general visit at $50 to $500 (This Old House, March 2026), which gives you a rough check on a quote. See the cost guide and one-time vs quarterly service.

Where to complain

Pesticide misuse and illegal applicators go to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at 615-837-5148, as do certain sales practices that lead to a pesticide application. Price and contract disputes go to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs at 615-741-4737, per the Department.