How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is hiring the right pest control professional for the job. You might consider a pest control company's qualifications and treatment methods in addition to its years of experience and customer reviews. And of course, there's the cost of services to consider.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensure is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Michigan must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To receive this certification, a company must show that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Additional certifications can be earned through trade organizations like QualityPro.
There are certain professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. Being a member of organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps verify a company's reputability. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to education, resources, and a network of pest professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The number of years that a company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with pests in your area. Online reviews or the company's own website can also enlighten you about whether it has the skills and experience necessary to deal with your particular pests. If you can't find the information you need online, calling a representative is an excellent way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can read reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check the status of its license through the Michigan 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 size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates as part of their process, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when picking a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that offers eco-friendly solutions.
Safety
Your pest control expert should use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides whenever possible. If any pesticides used don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Pest control professionals looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often follow practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
