How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several things you can take into consideration when selecting the right pest control companyfor you. Things you may consider include qualifications and licensing, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Idaho should be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. In order to receive this certification, a pest control company must both demonstrate that its practices are more eco-friendly and uphold certain technician training standards. Companies can also obtain other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up their work.
Pest control experts can also hold membership in professional organizations. When a company obtains membership in an organization such as the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gets access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control experts with whom to compare treatment methods. This can give you added peace of mind that a company is following industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Typically, a company provides information like its specialities and years of experience on its website. Online reviews can also tell you whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you can't get the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get the answers to your questions.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out local review sites and social media to hear what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the Idaho licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment can influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) are required to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to provide information on each pesticide they will be using. They should inform you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started making the switch to using more natural and environmentally friendly treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some follow 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.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest control management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Idaho Falls
Certain pests are more common than others. In Idaho Falls, common pests to be on the lookout for include the following:
- Ants: Ants can be found in just about every part of Idaho. Large carpenter ants can be an even bigger problem than regular soil ants, as they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Snakes: Snakes prefer cool, dark, and damp places like basements and often come into a home looking for food. Most species of snakes are harmless, but this is not a risk that you want your family or pets to take.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout Idaho, and they can cause big problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are tricky to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest furniture, bedsheets, wallpaper, and more.
- Mice: Some common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in areas where food is kept.
