How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control company, you want to find the right one for you. In addition to a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Finally, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them need to be licensed at the state level. The EPA has established minimum competency standards, and the California regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
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 people and the environment.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. In the NPMA and other organizations, pest control companies have access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
A company's years in business can indicate how much experience it has dealing with pests in Placentia. You can also explore its website or read customer reviews to figure out whether it has experience eliminating the type of pests you are dealing with. If this information is not available online, calling the company directly is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include local review sites, social media, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Additionally, you can confirm the status of a company's license via the California licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should try to determine whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatment until the problem is satisfactorily resolved?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control expert, and you might prefer a provider who uses more natural, eco-friendly pest control solutions.
Safety
You can ask your pest control technician if they plan on using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask about what precautionary measures will be in place. Any pesticide that presents above a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should supply information about all of the pesticides used, as well as how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your technician will start with eco-friendly and lower-toxicity options before employing harsher chemicals.
Many companies now use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to treat pest infestations with minimal personal or environmental risk. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
