How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is selecting the right pest control professional for the job. Things you might consider include licensing and qualifications, pest intervention strategies, 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 need to be licensed at the state level. The EPA maintains minimum competency standards, 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 prove that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. For this certification, a company must show that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Other various certifications can be obtained through trade organizations like QualityPro.
There are certain professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. Becoming a member of an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to resources and education, in addition to a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Joining one of these organizations is not required, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
For the most part, a company provides information like its specialities and years of experience on its website. Local reviews can also help you figure out if a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you can't get the information you need online, you can call the company directly to get your questions answered.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. You can also confirm the status of a company's license through the Florida licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when picking a company for pest control. Cost can be determined by factors like the type of pest being treated, your location, and the size of your house.
You can consider whether a certain company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what kind 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
Safety is an important consideration when deciding on a pest control professional, and you might prefer a provider who employs more natural, eco-friendly pest control solutions.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control provider if they will be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides—if not, ask about what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that poses greater than minimum risk must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should provide information about all of the pesticides that will be used in your home, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before (or instead of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some employ a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control services as needed.
Common Household Pests in Wellington
Not all pests are equally prevalent in Wellington. Some species that you should be on the lookout for include the following:
- Wasps: Wasps are often found in spots like attics, sheds, roof overhangs, and garages. They have painful stings and are often difficult to eliminate. Your local pest control company can help remove wasp nests from your property safely.
- Snakes: Snakes often enter houses in search of food, and once inside they tend to prefer dark, damp, and cool areas. While the majority of snakes are harmless, you and your family should not take that risk.
- Termites: Termites frequently get into your home from nearby piles of firewood, rotting wood, or mulch. If not stopped, they can do a substantial amount of damage and necessitate hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your attic or other dark, damp places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your home.
- Mice: Some telltale signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice tend to frequent attics or places where food is kept.
