How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is picking the right pest control professional for the job. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you will also want to think about cost.
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 must be licensed at the state level. The EPA sets minimum competency standards, and the Illinois regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that could be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To get 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 earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up their work.
Pest control experts can also obtain membership in professional organizations. When a company obtains membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gains access to education, resources, and a network of other pest control professionals with whom to compare methods. This can give you extra peace of mind that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in business and what type of pests it specializes in exterminating. Online reviews can also provide some insight into a company's experience dealing with a certain type of pest. If this information isn't available online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out local review sites and social media to learn what other people are saying, or verify its license standing via the Illinois licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is often a deciding factor when picking a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when choosing a pest control company. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, eco-friendly pest control management.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to discuss the safety of the pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to clarify whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect you, your family, and your pets. All pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some follow 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 required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
