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. Important factors include the company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
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 must be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all California pesticide applicators need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain additional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is awarded once a company has shown that its treatment methods are more eco-friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A pest control company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up its practices and methods.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. A pest control company can join both state-level organizations and national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). By being a member of these optional organizations, a company helps support its reputability and gains access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a company's level of experience by looking into how long it has been in operation. The company's website and local reviews can also inform you whether the company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can always contact the company directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. You can also check the status of a company's license through the California licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should try to determine whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its process. 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 resolved, or returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatment until the issue is satisfactorily handled?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally friendly pest control management.
Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to explain the safety precautions of any and all pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to answer questions about whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose above a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Pest professionals looking to reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
