How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things that you can weigh when selecting the best pest control companyfor you. Important decision-making factors can include the company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them must be licensed at the state level. The EPA has established minimum competency standards, and the Michigan regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies also have the option to obtain additional certifications like the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is given once a company has proven its methods to be more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A pest control company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further support its methods and practices.
Pest control companies can also become members of certain professional organizations. Holding membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps confirm that a company follows industry best practices. 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
How long 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 the answers to your questions aren't available online, speaking with a representative is an excellent way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look at a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore social media and local review sites to see what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing through the Michigan licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when looking for pest control services. Cost can be affected by factors like your location, the size of your house, and the type of pest being treated.
You can consider whether a specific company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits your budget), and what kind of guarantees it provides. 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 it comes to picking a pest control provider, you want to choose one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
All pesticides (except those that pose only a minimum risk) need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should provide you with information on all the pesticides that they are using. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to begin with more eco-friendly treatment options before using pesticides, following 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.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.
