How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control professional, there are several things you can consider to make sure you choose the best one for you. Factors you may consider include qualifications and licensing, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Connecticut need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help show that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. To receive this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other various certifications can be earned through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also join various professional organizations. Membership in an organization such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to education and resources, plus a professional network to compare best practices with. Membership in organizations like these is not mandatory, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has dealing with various pests. You can also explore its website or read customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the type of pests you are looking to get rid of. If you cannot find this information online, contacting a representative directly is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include social media, local review sites, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also confirm the status of a company's license via the Connecticut licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when picking a company for pest control. Cost can be determined by factors like your location, the size of your house, and the type of pest being treated.
You can consider whether a certain company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits your budget), and what sort of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment can affect the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
You want to ensure that you understand the precautions for the pesticides being used around your house, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control technician should be capable of providing information about any pesticides they intend to use, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be used. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to start with more environmentally friendly solutions before employing pesticides, using a framework called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in West Hartford
Certain pests are more common than others. In West Hartford, common pests to be watchful for include the following:
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches can be found in many parts of Connecticut, although they prefer wetter areas. This can make them an even bigger problem in West Hartford. Cockroaches get into your house through small cracks, and some can carry diseases like salmonella.
- Ants: Ants can be found in just about every part of Connecticut. Large carpenter ants can be an even bigger problem than regular soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in attics or in places where food is stored.
- 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 only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp areas. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want an infestation of them in your home.
