How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control company, there are a number of factors that you can consider to make sure that you're choosing the right one for you. You might consider a company's qualifications and treatment methods as well as its customer reviews and years of experience. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those that supervise them) must be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators working in Minnesota should be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. These are not required, but can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification indicates comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for people and the environment.
Pest control companies can also become members of professional organizations. Pest control companies can join state-level organizations in addition to national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to education, resources, and a network of professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with pests in your area. Customer reviews or the company's website itself can also inform you whether it has the skills and experience necessary to deal with your particular pests. If you cannot find the answers to your questions online, reaching out to the company directly is an easy way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the Minnesota licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control 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 verify whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider a company's guarantees: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, does the company provide additional treatments until the problem is handled satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to picking a pest control provider, you want to select one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer an eco-friendly provider.
Safety
Your pest control technician should be able to discuss the safety 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 your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have begun using more natural and environmentally friendly treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some follow a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest control management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control treatment methods as needed.
