How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the right pest control treatment planfor you. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as are its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you will also want to consider cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Indiana must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help prove that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To receive this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Other various certifications can be earned through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
There are several professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. Being a member of organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps verify a company's reputability. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of pest professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
A pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what kind of pests it specializes in exterminating. Local reviews can also offer some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If this information isn't available online, you can try reaching out to the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, browse reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Indiana licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should first look into whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or if it returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatment until the issue is handled satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control company might be influenced by how environmentally friendly a provider's pest control servicesare, in addition to how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
Your pest technician should use pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic any time they can. If any pesticides used don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect your family, your pets, and you. All pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk should 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:
- Identify problem pests and determine 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.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest control management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control treatment methods as needed.
