How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is hiring the best pest control professional for the job. Important decision-making factors can include a company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
Below, we dive into detail on 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) sets the minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, licensure is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Idaho must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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 obtain this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Other certifications can be obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a company's level of experience by looking at how long it has been in operation. The company's website and local reviews can also inform you whether a company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can contact a representative directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore social media and local review sites to learn what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the Idaho licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should verify whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, does the company provide additional treatment until the problem is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when selecting a pest control provider. You may also prefer one that uses environmentally friendly methods.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control technician if they are going to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask about what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that poses greater than minimum risk should be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to supply information about all of the pesticides used, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Companies often start with more eco-friendly treatment methods before employing harsh pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.