How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the right pest control treatmentfor you. In addition to a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you might also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to consider the cost of services.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Arizona need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. For this certification, a company must show that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other various certifications can be earned through trade organizations like QualityPro.
A pest control company can also be a member of various professional organizations. Joining an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to education and resources, as well as a professional network to compare best practices with. Membership in organizations like these is not mandatory, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with various pests. Online reviews or the company's website itself can also inform you whether it has the experience necessary to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, speaking with a representative is an easy way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can verify a company's legitimacy using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media or local review sites. You can also check with Arizona's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when hiring for pest control. Cost can be affected by factors like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and your location.
You can think about whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits your budget), and what sort of guarantees are provided. Often, a company will guarantee that if its treatment doesn't resolve your pest problem, it will continue to come back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when choosing a pest control provider. You may also prefer one that offers eco-friendly solutions.
Safety
Ask your pest control provider if they will be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask what precautionary measures will be in place. Any pesticide that has been deemed above minimum risk needs to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control company should be able to supply information about all of the pesticides used, as well as how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Companies often begin with more eco-friendly solutions before employing pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
