How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of factors that you can consider when choosing the right pest control treatment planfor you. You might consider a pest control company's qualifications and treatment methods in addition to its customer reviews and years of experience. And of course, there's the cost of services to consider.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the minimum competency standards for pesticide application, licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Missouri should be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help show that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To obtain this certification, a company must show that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Other various certifications can be obtained through trade organizations like QualityPro.
Pest control companies can also join various professional organizations. 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 to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a company's level of pest management experience by looking at how many years it has been in operation. The company's website and local reviews can also clue you in as to whether a certain company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always reach out to a representative directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Missouri licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be influenced by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment might affect which provider and treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Make sure to ask your pest control expert if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what precautionary measures they will have in place. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider will be able to supply you with information about all pesticides that they plan to use.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies are making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before (or instead 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 required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest control management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control methods as needed.
