How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the best pest control expertfor 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 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 their supervisors need to be licensed at the state level. The EPA has established minimum competency standards, and the Massachusetts regulatory agencies take care of the granting, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to back up its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is granted when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more eco-friendly. These companies also need to maintain certain training standards for employees.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various professional organizations. Membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps show that a company is reputable. 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
You can gain some insight into a pest control company's level of experience by looking at how many years it has been in business. Local reviews and the company's own website can also inform you whether the company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always contact a representative directly to learn this information if it is not available online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media or local review sites. You can also check with Massachusetts' licensing board to see the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when hiring for pest control services. Cost can be influenced by factors like the size of your house, your location, and the type of pest being treated.
You can take into consideration whether a specific company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what kind of guarantees are provided. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to select one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer an eco-friendly provider.
Safety
Your pest control expert should use pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic any time they can. If any pesticides they intend to use don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they will put in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now trialing options for more eco-friendly pest control management solutions before jumping into using harsh pesticides.
One common method for making pest control safer and greener is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Barnstable Town
Certain pests are more common than others. In Barnstable Town, common pests to be on the lookout for include the following:
- Ants: Whether larger carpenter ants or smaller soils ants, these pests are found in most of Massachusetts. Carpenter ants can cause more problems than their smaller counterparts by causing damage to your house.
- Fleas: These pests typically prefer warmer weather and often get into your home by hiding in the fur of pets.
- Spiders: These pests prefer damp and dark places and are often found in basements or attics.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in places where food is kept or in attics.
