How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, you want to find the right one to meet your needs. Some things 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?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, need to be licensed via the appropriate Florida regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while providing, maintaining, and revoking licensing is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can obtain optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to back up its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is granted to any company that can demonstrate that its methods are more eco-friendly. These companies also need to maintain certain training standards for employees.
There are various professional organizations that a pest control company can be a member of. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. Membership in the NPMA provides companies with access to resources, education, and a network of other pest professionals. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps demonstrate a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a pest company's experience level by finding out how many years it has been in business. The company's website and local reviews can also tell you whether the company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always contact the company directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), browse reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its 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 the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
Companies will often 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
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control professional, and you might prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally friendly pest control management.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that pose only a minimum risk) are required to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to provide you with information on all the pesticides that they plan to use. They should be able to tell you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be in place.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to start with more environmentally friendly solutions before employing harsh pesticides, using a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in North Fort Myers
Certain pests are more common than others. In North Fort Myers, common pests to be on the lookout for include the following:
- Ants: Ants are common in basically all of Florida. Large carpenter ants can be even more of a problem than regular soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Termites: Termites often come into your house from nearby piles of rotting wood, mulch, or firewood. If left untreated, they can cause significant damage and cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might start noticing droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in places where food is kept or in attics.
- Spiders: These pests prefer damp and dark places and are often found in attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very hard to eliminate, so we recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Florida, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
