How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control company, you want to find the right one for you. Important factors include the 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 their supervisors need to be licensed at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, and the Michigan regulatory agencies handle the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can obtain optional certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. These certifications can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification recognizes comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for people and the environment.
Pest control companies can also belong to various professional organizations. Being a member of organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps confirm that a company follows industry best practices. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
For the most part, a company provides information like specialities and years of experience on its website. Local reviews can also tell you whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to locate the information you need online, you can call the company directly to get the answers to your questions.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. You can also check the status of a company's license through the Michigan licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when hiring for pest control services. Cost can be affected by factors like the type of pest being treated, your location, and the size of your house.
You can take into consideration whether a 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
Safety is an important consideration when deciding on a pest control provider, and you might prefer a provider who uses more natural, environmentally friendly pest control solutions.
Safety
Ask your pest control technician if they will be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask about what precautionary measures will be in place. Any pesticide that presents above a minimum risk needs to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should provide information about all of the pesticides to be used, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started offering options for more eco-friendly methods of pest control before jumping into using harsh pesticides.
One common method for making pest control safer and more eco-friendly is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Wyoming
Certain pests are more common than others. In Wyoming, common pests to be watchful for include the following:
- Moths: If your house has moths, you might start finding holes in your clothing or linens. Moths thrive in warmer weather and are often found in dark places like closets.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout Michigan, and they can lead to serious problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often hard to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest furniture, wallpaper, bedsheets, and more.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer dark and damp places and are often found in basements or attics.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you might start noticing droppings or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in attics or in places where food is kept.
