How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several things that you can consider when choosing the best pest control treatment methodfor you. You may take into consideration a company's qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we dive into detail on 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 must be licensed at the state level. The EPA has established minimum competency standards, and the Connecticut 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 more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer additional certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a pest control company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various professional organizations. Being a member of organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps confirm that a company follows industry best practices. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with the pests that live in Bristol. Online reviews or the company's website itself can also enlighten you about whether it has the experience needed to deal with your particular pests. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, reaching out to the company directly is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, browse reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Connecticut licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is probably high on your list of priorities when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be influenced by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a company offers a satisfaction guarantees, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when picking a pest control provider. You may also prefer one that provides eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to discuss the safety of the pesticides that will be used in your home. They should be able to explain whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started offering options for more environmentally friendly solutions before jumping into using harsh pesticides.
One common way of making pest control safer and greener 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 required.
- Determine the best and 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 techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Bristol
Certain pests are more common than others. In Bristol, common pests to be wary of include the following:
- Snakes: Snakes often enter houses in search of food, and once inside they tend to prefer dark, damp, and cool spots like basements. Although the majority of snakes are harmless, you and your family should not take that risk.
- Ants: Ants can be found in just about every part of Connecticut. Large carpenter ants can be even more of a problem than regular soil ants, as they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your house.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very difficult to eliminate, so we strongly recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout Connecticut, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Mice: Some common signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are commonly found in attics or in places where food is kept.
