How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When selecting a pest control expert, there are several things you can consider to make sure you choose the right one for you. You might consider a company's qualifications and treatment methods as well as its customer reviews and years of experience. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
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, must be licensed via the appropriate California regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while providing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. While not required, they can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification is given to companies that use comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for humans and the environment.
A pest control company can also belong to certain professional organizations. Being a member of organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps confirm that a company follows industry best practices. The NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of pest professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The number of years that a company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with various pests. Online reviews or the company's own website can also enlighten you about whether it has the experience needed to handle your specific pest problem. If you cannot find the answers to your questions online, speaking with a representative is a great way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy include local review sites, social media, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check the status of a company's license via the California licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when looking for pest control. Cost can be affected by factors like the type of pest being treated, your location, and the size of your house.
You can consider whether a certain company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what kind 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
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when selecting a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that provides eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control expert if they are going to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides—if not, ask what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that has been deemed above minimum risk must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should provide information about all pesticides used, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started offering options for more environmentally friendly pest control management solutions before employing harsh pesticides.
One common 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 whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
