How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is selecting the right pest control professional for the job. 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 those that supervise them are required to be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all Massachusetts pesticide applicators should be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies also have the option to obtain additional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has proven that its treatment methods are more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also maintains certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further verify its practices and methods.
Pest control companies can also join certain professional organizations. Joining an organization such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to education and resources, as well as a professional network to compare best practices with. Belonging to organizations like these is not required, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has taking care of various pests. You can also look at its website or peruse customer reviews to figure out whether it has experience eliminating the type of pests you are struggling with. If this information can't be found online, contacting a representative directly is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the Massachusetts licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be influenced by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control technician if they will be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask what precautionary measures will be in place. Any pesticide that poses greater than minimum risk needs to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should provide information about all of the pesticides that will be used in your home, as well as how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies are making the switch to using more natural and eco-friendly treatment methods before, or in place of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some employ a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control services as needed.
