How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several factors that you can consider when selecting the right pest control companyfor you. Along with a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to consider the cost of services.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide application, licensure is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Indiana should be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can earn the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer other certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a pest control company is reputable.
A pest control company can also obtain membership in professional organizations. Joining an organization such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to education and resources, as well as a professional network to compare best practices with. Membership in one of these organizations is not required, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Browsing a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what species of pests it specializes in exterminating. Local reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with a specific pest. If this information isn't available online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check the status of its license through the Indiana licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control provider if the chemicals they're using are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what sort of precautionary measures they plan to take. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician will be able to provide you with information about all pesticides they plan on using.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your pest technician will begin with eco-friendly and lower-toxicity treatment methods before using harsher chemicals.
Many companies now use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to treat pest infestations with minimal personal or environmental risk. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if 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 absolutely necessary, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in West Lafayette
Some pests are more prevalent in West Lafayette, and these are the ones you should keep watch for. Some of these include the following:
- Ticks: If your home is near a forest or an area with dense vegetation, or near a body of water, you may be at higher risk of tick infestations. Ticks can spread Lyme or other diseases to you and your pets.
- Wasps: Wasps are commonly found in spots like garages, attics, sheds, and roof overhangs. They have painful stings and are often difficult to get rid of. Your local pest control technician can help remove wasps from your property safely.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Indiana and can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs can be tricky to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest bedsheets, wallpaper, furniture, and more.
- Spiders: These pests prefer moist, dark places and are often found in basements or attics.
- Mice: Telltale signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice are often found in attics or in places where you keep food.
