How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the best pest control treatment planfor you. A company's qualifications and pest treatment methods are important to consider, as are its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you will also want to think about cost.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them must be licensed at the state level. The EPA maintains minimum standards of competency, and the Illinois regulatory agencies handle the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
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 given once a company has proven its methods to be more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further support its methods and practices.
There are certain professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. A pest control company can obtain membership in state-level organizations in addition to national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with pests in your area. Online reviews or the company's website itself can also inform you whether it has the experience necessary to handle your specific pest problem. If you cannot find the answers to your questions online, reaching out to the company directly is an easy way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, explore reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Illinois licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration 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 figure out if it fits into your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You may also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
You should ask your pest control expert if the chemicals they're using are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what sort of precautionary measures they are going to use. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to supply you with information about all pesticides they plan on using.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started offering options for more environmentally friendly solutions before employing harsh pesticides.
One popular way of making pest control safer and greener is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Wayne
You might encounter some pests more frequently in Wayne. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Termites: If a termite infestation is left untreated, the result could be hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Termites often enter your home via nearby piles of mulch, firewood, or rotting wood.
- Ants: Whether smaller soil ants or larger carpenter ants, these pests are found in most of Illinois. Carpenter ants can cause more problems than their smaller counterparts by causing damage to your house.
- Mice: If you have mice, you may notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in places where food is stored or in attics.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp areas. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your house.
