How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things that you can weigh when selecting the right pest control treatmentfor you. In addition to a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you may also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Finally, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
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) has established minimum competency standards for pesticide application, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in Florida must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain additional certifications like the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is awarded once a company has proven that its treatment methods are more eco-friendly and demonstrated that it also maintains certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A pest control company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further verify its practices and methods.
Pest control companies can also become members of various professional organizations. When a company joins an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gains access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control professionals with whom to compare treatment methods. This can offer additional peace of mind that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a pest company's level of pest management experience by finding out how many years it has been in operation. The company's website and local reviews can also tell you whether the company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always reach out to a representative directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. You can also check the status of a company's license through the Florida licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors can all influence the price of pest control.
You can look into whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), as well as what type of guarantees it has. Often, a company will guarantee that if it does not resolve your pest problem, it will keep coming back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when selecting a pest control provider, and you might prefer a provider who uses more natural, environmentally friendly treatment plans.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to explain the safety precautions of any pesticides that will be used in your home. They should be able to clarify 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. Any pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now trialing options for more environmentally friendly pest control solutions before relying on harsh pesticides.
One popular method for making pest control safer and more eco-friendly is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Pensacola
In Pensacola, certain pests are more common than others. This list of pests includes the following:
- Termites: If you don't promptly deal with a termite infestation, the result could be hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Often, termites get into your house via nearby piles of firewood, mulch, or rotting wood.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you may start noticing droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is stored.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your attic or other damp, dark places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your home.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations are often very hard to get rid of, so we strongly recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout Florida, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
