How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is picking the best pest control company for the job. You may take into consideration a company's qualifications, methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we explore the details of each factor.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in California must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that might be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. In order to get this certification, a pest control company must both show that its practices are more eco-friendly and uphold certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up their work.
Pest control companies can also belong to professional organizations. A pest control company can join state-level organizations as well as national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what kind of pests it specializes in exterminating. Online reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with a certain type of pest. If you can't find this information online, you can try reaching out to the company directly.
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 learn what other people are saying, or verify its license standing via the California licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you decide if it fits into your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when selecting a pest control expert, and you might prefer a provider who uses more natural, environmentally friendly treatment plans.
Safety
You can ask your pest control technician if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides—if not, ask what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that presents above a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control company should be able to provide information about all pesticides that will be used in your home, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Nowadays, many companies are exploring more eco-friendly pest control solutions that can be used before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
