How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the best company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. 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?
According to 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 sets minimum competency standards, and the California regulatory agencies take care of the granting, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can earn the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer other certifications. While not required, these can help show that a company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also be members of certain professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help show 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 share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has dealing with pests in your area. You can also explore its website or look through customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the type of pests you are looking to get rid of. If you cannot find this information online, contacting a representative directly is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), browse reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the California licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, 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 consider a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or returns, does the company provide additional treatments until the problem is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally friendly pest control solutions.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides whenever possible. If any pesticides used don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. All pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies have started making the switch to using more natural and environmentally friendly treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some employ a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest control management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control treatments as needed.
