How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is picking the right pest control company for the job. You may consider a pest control company's qualifications and treatment methods as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. And of course, there's the cost of services to consider.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators and supervisors in Connecticut need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
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 eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer additional certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to resources and education, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Membership in one of these organizations is not required, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with the pests that live in Stamford. Online reviews or the company's own website can also help you figure out whether it has the experience needed to deal with your particular pests. If you can't find the information you need online, calling a representative is an easy way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using social media or local review sites as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with Connecticut's licensing board to see the status of a company's license.
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 first look into whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account a company's guarantees: If the problem is not fixed, or if it returns, does the company provide additional treatments until the issue is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to select one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
Your pest technician should be using pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic whenever possible. If any pesticides they intend to use don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect your family, your pets, and you. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Companies often begin with more eco-friendly treatment options before employing pesticides, using a framework called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
