How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step in the pest control process is hiring the right company for you. You may consider a pest control company's qualifications and methods of treatment as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
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 their supervisors need to 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 such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has shown its methods to be more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further support its practices and methods.
There are several professional organizations that a pest control company can be a member of. A pest control company can join state-level organizations as well as national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The number of years that a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with the pests that live in Westland. Customer reviews or the company's own website can also enlighten you about whether it has the skills and experience necessary to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If you can't find the information you need online, calling a representative is a great way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can verify a company's legitimacy using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media or local review sites. You can also check with Michigan's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should first look into whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, does the company provide additional treatments until the issue is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment can influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to explain the safety precautions of all pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to clarify whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have begun using more natural and environmentally friendly treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some use a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest control management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Westland
In Westland, there are some pests that are more common than others. This list includes the following:
- Ants: Whether larger carpenter ants or smaller soils ants, these bugs are found in most of Michigan. Carpenter ants can pose a bigger problem than their smaller counterparts because they can do damage to your house.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout Michigan and can cause major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are hard to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest bedsheets, wallpaper, furniture, and more.
- Spiders: These pests prefer dark and moist places and are often found in basements or attics.
- Mice: If you have mice, you may start noticing droppings or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in attics or in places where food is stored.
