How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things you can weigh when choosing the best pest control professionalfor you. Some things you may consider include qualifications and licensing, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
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, as well as those that supervise them, must be licensed via the appropriate New Jersey regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but providing, maintaining, and revoking licensing is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are more environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer additional certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a pest control company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also become members of various professional organizations. When a company joins an organization such as the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gets access to education, resources, and a network of other pest professionals with whom to compare treatment methods. This can give you additional peace of mind that a company is following industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a pest control company has been in business can give you some insight into its experience dealing with various pests. Customer reviews or the company's own website can also enlighten you about whether it has the experience needed to deal with your particular pests. If you can't find the information you need online, speaking with a representative is an excellent way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include local review sites, social media, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also confirm the status of a company's license via the New Jersey licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be influenced by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
Companies will often offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a provider offers a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when selecting a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider that employes eco-friendly practices.
Safety
You will want to understand the precautions around pesticides used in your house, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control provider should be able to provide information about all pesticides they plan on using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures they have in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control 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 determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Atlantic City
Certain pests are more common than others. In Atlantic City, common pests to be wary of include the following:
- Ants: Ants can be found in basically all of New Jersey. Large carpenter ants can be an even bigger problem than regular soil ants, as they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Ticks: If your home is near a forest or an area with dense vegetation, or near a body of water, you may be at higher risk of tick infestations. Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme to you and your pets.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout New Jersey, and they can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs can be tricky to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest wallpaper, furniture, bedsheets, and more.
- 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.
