How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several factors you can consider when choosing the best pest control professionalfor you. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as are its years of experience and reputation in customer reviews. Of course, you will also want to consider cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
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 are required to be certified at the state level. The EPA does set minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Idaho need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can obtain optional certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. These are not required, but can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification recognizes comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for people and the environment.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to education and resources, plus a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Membership in one of these organizations is not mandatory, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at how long a company has been in business can help determine how much experience it has dealing with pests in your area. You can also explore its website or look through customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the species of pests you are looking to get rid of. If this information can't be found online, contacting a representative directly is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read social media and local review sites to see what others in your area have to say, or verify its license standing through the Idaho licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors can all influence the cost of pest control.
You can learn whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget) and what type of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if it does not solve your pest problem, it will continue treatment until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment can affect the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
You will want to understand the precautions for the pesticides being used around your home, for the sake of your family, your pets, and yourself. Your pest control expert should be able to supply information about any pesticides they plan on using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies will start with more environmentally friendly treatment options before using pesticides, following a framework called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- 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 when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Caldwell
In Caldwell, certain pests are more common than others. This list of pests includes the following:
- Fleas: These pests prefer warmer weather and often get inside by hiding in the fur of pets.
- Bees: Your local pest control professional can help eliminate bee infestations around your house (some even have resources to safely relocate hives). You might be especially keen to have bees' nests removed if someone in your household has an allergy.
- Ticks: A tick infestation can be dangerous because they might bring Lyme or other diseases into your home. You may be at increased risk of a tick infestation if you live close to a body of water, a forest, or an area of dense vegetation.
- Mice: Telltale signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice are often found in attics or in places where you keep food.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs can be very difficult to eliminate, so we recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Idaho, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Spiders: These pests prefer dark and moist places and are often found in attics.
