How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When selecting a pest control company, there are several factors you can consider to be sure you choose the right one for you. Factors you may consider include licensing and qualifications, treatment methods, 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?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be certified at the state level. The EPA does set minimum standards of competency, but all Illinois pesticide applicators need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies also have the option to obtain additional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has shown its methods to be more eco-friendly and demonstrated that it also maintains certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further verify its methods and practices.
Pest control companies can also become members of professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help demonstrate a company's reputability. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a pest control company's website can tell you how many years it has been in business and what kind of pests it specializes in eliminating. Local reviews can also provide some insight into a company's experience dealing with a specific pest. If this information isn't available online, you can try contacting the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), browse reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Illinois licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be affected by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to select one that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer an eco-friendly provider.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to explain the safety precautions of all pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to explain whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect you, your family, and your pets. All pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies have begun using more natural and eco-friendly treatment methods before (or instead of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some utilize a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- 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 mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control treatments as needed.
