How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control expert, there are several things you can consider to make sure that you're choosing the best one for you. You may take into consideration a company's qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we explore the details of each factor.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them must be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Florida should be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer additional certifications. While not required, these can help show that a pest control company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also join various professional organizations. Companies can belong to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of other pest professionals. While not required, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a pest control company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with the pests that live in Riviera Beach. Customer reviews or the company's website itself can also inform you whether it has the experience necessary to deal with your particular pests. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, contacting the company directly is a great way to learn about its areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media or local review sites. You can also check with Florida's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should try to determine whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider a company's guarantees: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, does the company provide additional treatments until the problem is satisfactorily resolved?
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when selecting a pest control professional. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally friendly treatment methods.
Safety
Ask your pest control technician if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what precautionary measures they are going to use. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician will be able to provide you with information about all of the pesticides that they are going to use.
Treatment Methods
Many companies will start with more eco-friendly solutions before employing 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 assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Riviera Beach
Certain pests are more common than others. In Riviera Beach, common pests to be wary of include the following:
- Wasps: Wasps are often hard to rid yourself of, especially when you're trying to avoid their stingers. They are commonly found in areas like garages, roof overhangs, attics, and sheds.
- Snakes: Snakes prefer damp, cool, and dark spots and often enter a home in search of food. Most species of snakes are harmless, but this is not a risk that you want your family or pets to take.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs are often very difficult to eliminate, so we recommend calling a professional 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.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your attic or other damp, dark areas. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your house.
