How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is selecting the right pest control company for the job. You may consider a company's qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and price of services.
Below, we dive into detail on each factor.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, should be licensed via the appropriate Florida regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established 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?
One optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a pest control company needs to both show that its practices are more eco-friendly and uphold certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further support their work.
Pest control companies can also become members of certain professional organizations. Being a member of organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps verify a company's reputability. The NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a company has been in business can give you some insight into its experience dealing with the pests that live in Ocoee. Customer reviews or the company's own website can also help you figure out whether it has the skills and experience needed to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, reaching out to the company directly is an easy way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look at a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore local review sites and social media to hear what others in your area have to say, or verify its license standing through the Florida licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
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 services.
Safety
You should ask your pest control expert if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what kind of precautionary measures they plan to take. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to supply information about all pesticides that they are going to use.
Treatment Methods
Pest control professionals looking to reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether 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 methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
