How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When selecting a pest control professional, there are several factors you can consider to be sure you choose the best one for you. 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 explore the details of each of these factors.
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 need to be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Illinois must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can obtain optional certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro in order to verify its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is given to any company that can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. A company that receives this certification also needs to maintain certain employee training standards.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various professional organizations. Membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps verify a company's reputability. The NPMA gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of pest professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with the pests that live in Bloomington. Online reviews or the company's own website can also help you figure out whether it has the experience necessary to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If you can't find the information you need online, contacting the company directly is an excellent way to learn about its areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can verify a company's legitimacy using social media or local review sites as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with Illinois' licensing board to see the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should try to determine whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or returns, will the company provide additional treatments until the problem is satisfactorily handled?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment may influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Ask your pest control provider if they plan on using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides—if not, ask what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that has been deemed above minimum risk needs to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control company should provide information about all pesticides to be used, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Pest professionals looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
