How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control treatment for you is important. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you also want to consider cost.
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, as well as those that supervise them, must be licensed via the appropriate Florida regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but issuing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To receive this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other various certifications can be earned through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. After joining an organization like the NPMA, a company receives access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with pests in your area. Online reviews or the company's own website can also inform you whether it has the skills and experience necessary to handle your specific pest problem. If you can't find the information you need online, speaking with a representative is an excellent way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include local review sites, social media, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also confirm the status of a company's license through the Florida licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should verify whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatment until the problem is satisfactorily handled?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when choosing a pest control provider. You may also prefer one that uses eco-friendly treatment methods.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control provider if they will be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask about what precautionary measures will be in place. Any pesticide that presents above a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control company should provide information about all pesticides used, as well as how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now exploring greener and cleaner pest control solutions that can be used before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in West Palm Beach
You might deal with some pests more often in West Palm Beach. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Termites: Termites frequently get into your home from nearby piles of rotting wood, firewood, or mulch. If not stopped, they can cause significant damage and necessitate hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Ants: Ants can be found in basically all of Florida. Large carpenter ants can be even more of a problem than normal soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Snakes: Snakes often enter houses looking for food, and once inside they tend to prefer dark, damp, and cool places. While most species of snakes are harmless, most people don't want their family, their pets, or themselves to take that risk.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs are often very difficult to quash, so we recommend hiring an exterminator 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: These pests prefer damp and dark places and are commonly found in attics.
