How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When selecting a pest control expert, there are a number of things you can consider to make sure that you're choosing the right one for you. A company's qualifications and treatment methods are important to consider, as are its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, you will also want to think about cost.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) are required to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Arizona should be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help prove that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To obtain this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other certifications can be earned through trade organizations like QualityPro.
A pest control company can also hold membership in certain 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, plus a professional network to compare best practices with. Joining one of these organizations is not mandatory, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
A company's years in business can indicate how much experience it has dealing with pests in your area. You can also look at its website or look through customer reviews to determine whether it has adequate experience with the species of pests you are looking to get rid of. If this information is not available online, getting in touch with a company representative is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, verify a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check the status of its license through the Arizona licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you figure out if it fits into your budget. You can also see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment can affect which provider and treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to discuss the safety of any pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to clarify whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not what safety precautions will be used to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose above a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started offering options for more eco-friendly methods of pest control before relying on harsh pesticides.
One popular way of making pest control safer and greener is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and 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 methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
