How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control professional, there are a number of factors you can consider to be sure that you're choosing the right one for you. Things you might consider include qualifications and licensing, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, should be licensed via the appropriate Michigan regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, while providing, maintaining, and revoking licensing is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for additional certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro in order to verify its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is awarded when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. These companies also need to maintain certain employee training standards.
Pest control companies can also obtain membership in professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help to prove a company's reputability. After joining an organization like the NPMA, a company receives access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Browsing a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in business and what species of pests it specializes in exterminating. Online reviews can also offer some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If this information isn't available online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. Additionally, you can confirm the status of a company's license through the Michigan licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should try to determine whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatments until the issue is satisfactorily resolved?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control professional. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally friendly pest control management.
Safety
All pesticides (except those that are classified as minimum-risk) need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to provide information on each pesticide they plan to use. They should be able to tell you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have begun using more natural and environmentally friendly treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some utilize a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other controls for effective long-term pest control management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Grand Blanc
Not all pests are equally common around Grand Blanc. Some species that you should be on the lookout for include the following:
- Ants: Ants can be found in just about every part of Michigan. Large carpenter ants can be even more of a problem than normal soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your house.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you may notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in places where food is stored or in attics.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer dark and moist places and are often found in basements or attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations are often very hard to quash, so we recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Michigan, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
