How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, you want to be sure to find the best one to meet your needs. Things you may consider include qualifications and licensing, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, should be licensed via the appropriate Arkansas regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while providing, maintaining, and revoking licensing is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for additional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to support its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is given to any company that can demonstrate that its methods are more eco-friendly. Companies that receive this certification also need to maintain certain employee training standards.
Pest control companies can also be members of various professional organizations. Being a member of organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps confirm that a company follows industry best practices. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with the pests that live in Springdale. Customer reviews or the company's website itself can also inform you whether it has the experience necessary to deal with your particular pests. If you can't find the information you need online, calling a representative is an easy way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look at a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out social media and local review sites to see what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the Arkansas licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when picking a company for pest control services. Cost can be influenced by factors like the size of your house, your location, and the type of pest being treated.
You can consider 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 your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment can influence which provider and treatment methods you choose.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that pose only a minimum risk) are required to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should provide you with information on every pesticide they are using. They should be able to tell you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions they plan to take.
Treatment Methods
Pest control professionals looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often follow practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
