How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When hiring a pest control company, you want to be sure to find the best one to meet your needs. You might take into consideration a company's qualifications, methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we dive into detail on each factor.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in California need to be licensed through the proper 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. To earn this certification, a pest control company must both show that its practices are more eco-friendly and maintain certain technician training standards. Companies can also obtain other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up their work.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Being a member of organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps verify a company's reputability. The NPMA gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a pest control company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with various pests. Customer reviews or the company's website itself can also help you figure out whether it has the skills and experience needed to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, reaching out to the company directly is an easy way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the California licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be influenced by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Companies will often offer free on-site estimates as part of their process, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a provider offers a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to picking a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control expert if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask what precautionary measures they plan to use. Any pesticide that has been deemed above minimum risk needs to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control company should supply information about all pesticides that will be used in your home, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies have started making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some use a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest control management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control treatment methods as needed.
