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 price of services.
Below, we discuss each factor in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide application, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Colorado must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies also have the option to obtain additional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is given once a company has shown its methods to be more eco-friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up its practices and methods.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Generally, a company displays information like specialities and years of experience on its website. Local reviews can also inform you as to whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you can't get the information you need online, you can call the company directly to get your questions answered.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, read reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Colorado 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 considering the cost of services, you should verify whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or returns, will the company provide additional treatment until the issue is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when choosing a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider that uses eco-friendly pest management treatment methods.
Safety
All pesticides that will be used (except those that pose only a minimum risk) should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control expert should supply information on each pesticide they are using. They should be able to tell you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be in place.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now trialing options for more environmentally friendly methods of pest control before relying on harsh pesticides.
One popular way of making pest control safer and more eco-friendly is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
