How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control treatment method for you is important. 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?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be licensed at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, and the Florida regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help demonstrate 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 eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other certifications can be earned through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various professional organizations. When a company obtains membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it receives access to resources, education, and a network of other pest experts with whom to compare treatment methods. This can give you added peace of mind that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Typically, a company will list information like its specialities and years of experience on its website. Local reviews can also inform you as to whether a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can contact a company representative directly to get your questions answered.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), look for 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
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when hiring for pest control. Cost can be influenced by factors like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and your location.
You can take into consideration whether a company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what sort of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if its treatment doesn't resolve your pest problem, it will continue to come back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment may influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to provide information on every pesticide 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 taken.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are making the switch to using more natural and environmentally friendly treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some employ a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- 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 with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control services as needed.
