How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, you want to make sure that you find the best one for you. Some things you might consider include qualifications and licensing, 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?
All pesticide applicators (and those that supervise them) are required to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators working in Idaho must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help prove that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn 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 obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also become members of certain professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help demonstrate a company's reputability. In the NPMA and other organizations, pest control companies have access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a pest control company has been in business can give you some insight into its experience dealing with pests in your area. Online reviews or the company's own website can also inform you whether it has the experience needed to deal with your particular pests. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, speaking with a representative is an excellent way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can read reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check the status of its license through 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 first look into whether a company provides free on-site estimates as part of its services. 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 resolved, or returns, will the company provide additional treatments until the problem is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control provider might be affected by how eco-friendly a provider's practicesare, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
All pesticides (except those that pose only a minimum risk) need 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 the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now exploring more environmentally friendly pest control solutions that can be used before (or in place of) chemical pesticides. Many are following the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Pocatello
You might encounter some pests more often in Pocatello. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Wasps: Wasps are often hard to get rid of, especially while trying to avoid their stingers. They are commonly found in places like sheds, attics, roof overhangs, and garages.
- Snakes: Snakes often enter houses looking for food, and once inside they tend to prefer cool, damp, and dark spots like basements. Although the majority of snakes are harmless, you and your family should not take that risk.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you may notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in attics or in places where food is kept.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs can be very hard to get rid of, so we strongly recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Idaho, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
- Spiders: These pests prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
