How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is selecting the right pest control company for the job. Along with a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you might also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Finally, you'll likely want to consider 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?
All pesticide applicators (and those that supervise them) must be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Florida must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help show that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To obtain this certification, a company must show that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Additional certifications can be obtained through trade organizations like QualityPro.
Pest control experts can also hold membership in professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in both state-level organizations and national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Generally, a company displays information like its years of experience and specialities on its website. Online reviews can also help you figure out if a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you can't get the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get the answers to your questions.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read 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
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should verify whether a company provides free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatments until the issue is satisfactorily handled?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control expert, and you might prefer a provider who uses more natural, environmentally friendly pest control solutions.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to discuss the safety of any and all pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to answer questions about whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions they will put in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies have started making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some utilize a program called 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.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest control management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control services as needed.
