How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is picking the best pest control company for the job. In addition to a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you might also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Finally, you'll likely want to consider 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?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) need to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in Montana must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can obtain optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to verify its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is granted when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. These companies also need to maintain certain training standards for employees.
A pest control company can also be a member of certain professional organizations. When a company joins an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it receives access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control experts with whom to compare treatment methods. This can offer additional peace of mind that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The number of years that a company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with pests in your area. Customer reviews or the company's website itself can also inform you whether it has the experience needed to handle your specific pest problem. 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 check a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, look for reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Montana licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when picking a company for pest control. Cost can be affected by factors like your location, the type of pest being treated, and the size of your house.
You can take into consideration whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what sort of guarantees are provided. Often, a company will guarantee that if its treatment doesn't resolve your pest problem, it will continue to come back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to select one that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You may also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.
Safety
All pesticides that will be used (except those that are classified as minimum-risk) should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to provide information on each pesticide they will be using. They should be able to tell you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions they plan to take.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your pest technician will begin with eco-friendly and lower-toxicity methods before moving on to harsher chemicals.
Many companies have begun to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to eliminate pests while reducing personal and environmental risks. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- 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 when required, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Great Falls
Certain pests are more common in Great Falls, and these are the ones you should keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Bees: Your local pest expert can help get rid of bees around your house (some even are able to safely relocate hives). You might be especially keen to have bees' nests removed if someone in your household has an allergy.
- Flies: You may see flies around sinks or in places where you keep food. Flies can get into your Great Falls home year-round, but they're even more common during warmer months.
- Ants: Whether smaller soil ants or larger carpenter ants, these pests are found in most parts of Montana. Carpenter ants can pose a bigger problem than their smaller counterparts because they can do damage to your house.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very hard to get rid of, so we recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout Montana, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in places where food is kept or in attics.
