How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several factors you can consider when selecting the best pest control treatment planfor you. Along with a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you might 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 discuss each of these factors 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 Connecticut should be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
An optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. In order to obtain this certification, a pest control company must both demonstrate that its practices are more eco-friendly and maintain certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can also obtain other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further support their work.
Pest control experts can also obtain membership in professional organizations. When a company obtains membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gains access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control experts with whom to compare treatment methods. This can give you added peace of mind that a company is following industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a pest control company's level of experience by finding out how long it has been in business. The company's website and local reviews can also tell you whether a company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always reach out to a representative directly to learn this information if it is not available online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, verify a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the Connecticut licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be influenced by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Companies will often 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 it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control provider might be affected by how environmentally friendly a company's pest control servicesare, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
You will want to understand the precautions for the pesticides being used around your home, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control technician should be able to supply information about the pesticides they plan to use, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures they plan to take. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Pest control experts looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in New Britain
Not all pests are equally pervasive in New Britain. Some species that you should keep an eye out for include the following:
- Ants: Whether smaller soil ants or larger carpenter ants, these pests are found in most areas of Connecticut. Carpenter ants can pose a bigger problem than their smaller counterparts by causing damage to your home.
- Cockroaches: It's important to take care of a cockroach infestation quickly, as they can sometimes spread diseases like salmonella. Cockroaches are found in many places throughout Connecticut, and they prefer wetter areas like New Britain.
- Ticks: If you live near forests or areas with dense vegetation, or near a body of water, you may be at higher risk of tick infestations. Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme to you or your pets.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Connecticut and can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are often hard to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest wallpaper, bedsheets, furniture, and more.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer damp and dark places and are often found in basements or attics.
