How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, you want to find the best one to meet your needs. You may consider a company's qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost of services.
Below, we explore the details of each factor.
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 must be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Nevada need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain additional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has proven that its treatment methods are more eco-friendly and demonstrated that it also maintains certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A pest control company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further verify its practices and methods.
Pest control companies can also become members of professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in state-level organizations as well as 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 resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a pest control company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with the pests that live in Sparks. Customer reviews or the company's website itself can also help you figure out whether it has the skills and experience needed to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If you can't find the information you need online, speaking with a representative is an easy way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out local review sites and social media to see what other people are saying, or verify its license standing through the Nevada 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 influenced by factors like the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and your location.
You can consider whether a 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 your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when choosing a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that provides eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
You should ask your pest control expert if the chemicals they're using are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what precautionary measures they plan to take. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician will be able to provide you with information about all chemicals that they plan to use.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now trialing options for more environmentally friendly pest control solutions before employing harsh pesticides.
One common way of making pest control safer and more eco-friendly is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Sparks
You might encounter some pests more frequently in Sparks. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Moths: If you've started finding holes in your clothing or linens, there's a chance that you have moths in your house. Moths are often found in dark places like closets, and are more commonly found in warmer places.
- Wasps: In many cases, wasps are difficult to get rid of, especially while trying to avoid their stingers. They are commonly found in areas like attics, garages, sheds, and roof overhangs.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in attics.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs can be very hard to eliminate, so we recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout Nevada, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might notice droppings or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in attics or in places where food is stored.
