How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things you can consider when selecting the right pest control treatment planfor you. Some things you might 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, need to 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 licensing is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To get this certification, a pest control company must both demonstrate that its practices are more environmentally friendly and maintain certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further support their work.
Pest control experts can also obtain membership in professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help show a company's reputability. After joining an organization like the NPMA, a company receives access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at how long a company has been in business can help determine how much experience it has dealing with various pests. You can also explore its website or peruse customer reviews to figure out whether it has experience eliminating the type of pests you are struggling with. If this information can't be found online, speaking with a company representative is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can browse reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check the status of its license through the California 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 take into consideration whether a 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
Safety is an important consideration when selecting a pest control provider, and you might prefer a provider who uses more natural, eco-friendly pest control management.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be using pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic whenever possible. If any pesticides used don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect your family, your pets, and you. All pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to start with more eco-friendly treatment options before using harsh pesticides, using a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
