How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of factors that you can weigh when selecting the best pest control expertfor you. You may consider a company's qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we discuss each factor in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the minimum standards of competency for pesticide application, licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in Illinois must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can obtain optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations in order to verify its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is awarded when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. Companies that receive this certification also need to maintain certain employee training standards.
There are various professional organizations that a pest control company can belong to. Being a member of organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps confirm that a company follows industry best practices. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Generally, a company will list information like its years of experience and specialities on its website. Online reviews can also inform you as to whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to locate the information you need online, you can call the company directly to get your questions answered.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can browse reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check the status of its license through the Illinois licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should verify 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 take into account what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatments until the issue is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when choosing a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider that employes eco-friendly practices.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides any time they can. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect you, your family, and your pets. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before (or instead of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some employ a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control solutions as needed.
