How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the best pest control treatment methodfor you. Important decision-making factors can include a company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
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 certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Kentucky need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer other certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable.
There are several professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. Companies can obtain membership in the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control companies. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps demonstrate a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a pest control company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with pests in your area. Online reviews or the company's website itself can also enlighten you about whether it has the experience necessary to deal with your particular pests. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, reaching out to the company directly is an excellent way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using local review sites or social media as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with Kentucky's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors can all influence the cost of pest control.
You can find out whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget) and what type of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if it does not eliminate your pest problem, it will keep coming back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control company might be affected by how eco-friendly a provider's pest control servicesare, in addition to how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
Your pest control provider should use pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic whenever possible. If any pesticides they intend to use don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect your family, your pets, and you. All pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Companies often start with more eco-friendly treatment options before using pesticides, using a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Richmond
Certain pests are more common than others. In Richmond, common pests to be on the lookout for include the following:
- Cockroaches: You can find cockroaches in many parts of Kentucky, though they prefer wetter areas. This can make them an even bigger problem in Richmond. Cockroaches come inside through small cracks, and some can spread diseases like salmonella.
- Termites: If you don't promptly deal with a termite infestation, the result could be hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Often, termites enter your home via nearby piles of mulch, firewood, or rotting wood.
- Ticks: If your house is near a forest or area with dense vegetation, or close to a body of water, you may be at greater risk of a tick infestation. Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme to you and your pets.
- Mice: Common signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in places where you keep food.
- Spiders: These pests prefer dark and damp places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
