How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is picking the best pest control company for the job. In addition to a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you might also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those that supervise them) must be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Maine must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help show that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. For this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Other certifications can be obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also belong to professional organizations. Membership in organizations like 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
Generally, a company provides information like its years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also help you determine if a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you can't get the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get your questions answered.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can browse reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, verify a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check its licensure status through the Maine licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
It's important to think about cost when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be affected by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a company offers a satisfaction guarantees, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when choosing a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider that employs environmentally friendly practices.
Safety
Ask your pest control technician if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask what precautionary measures will be in place. Any pesticide that presents above a minimum risk needs to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control company should be able to provide information about all of the pesticides used, as well as how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Companies often begin with more environmentally friendly treatment methods before employing harsh pesticides, using a framework called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Lewiston
You might encounter some pests more frequently in Lewiston. Some to keep an eye out for include these:
- Ants: Ants are common in basically all of Maine. Large carpenter ants can be an even bigger problem than regular soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Wasps: In many cases, wasps are difficult to get rid of, especially while trying to avoid their stingers. They can often be found in areas like garages, sheds, attics, and roof overhangs.
- Mice: Telltale signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice are often found in attics or in areas where you keep food.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very hard to quash, so we strongly recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Maine, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other moist, dark areas. Even though most species of spider are harmless to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your home.
