How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When hiring a pest control company, you want to be sure to find the right one to meet your needs. Some things you might consider include licensing and qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) need to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Florida must be licensed via the necessary 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 example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Additional certifications can be obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also obtain membership in professional organizations. When a company becomes a member of an organization such as the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it receives access to resources, education, and a network of other pest professionals with whom to compare methods. This can offer additional peace of mind that a company is following industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has taking care of pests in Horizon West. You can also explore its website or peruse customer reviews to determine whether it has adequate experience with the species of pests you are struggling with. If this information can't be found online, calling the company directly is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include local review sites, social media, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check the status of a company's license via the Florida licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be affected by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you determine 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
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment may affect the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
All pesticides (except those that are classified as minimum-risk) should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should supply information on all the pesticides that they plan to use. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
Nowadays, many companies are exploring greener and cleaner pest control solutions that can be used before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many are following the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
