How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control expert, there are a number of things you can consider to make sure you choose the right one for you. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you will also want to consider cost.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Florida need to be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can obtain optional certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to verify its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is awarded when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more eco-friendly. Companies that receive this certification also need to maintain certain employee training standards.
Pest control companies can also join various professional organizations. Joining an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to resources and education, and a professional network to compare best practices with. Joining one of these organizations is not required, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Browsing a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in business and what type of pests it specializes in eliminating. Online reviews can also offer some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If you can't find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. Additionally, you can confirm the status of a company's license through the Florida 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, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates as part of their process, 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
It's important to consider safety when choosing a pest control expert. You might also prefer a provider who uses more natural, eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to explain the safety precautions of all pesticides that will be used in your home. They should be able to explain whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not what safety precautions will be in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. All pesticides that pose above a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies will start with more environmentally friendly solutions before using pesticides, using a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
