How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, there are several things that you can consider to be sure that you're choosing the right one for you. In addition to a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you might also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Finally, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
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 who supervise them) need to 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 New Jersey must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer other certifications. While not required, these can help show that a company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in both state-level organizations and national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). By being a member of these optional organizations, a company helps support its reputability and gains access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a company's experience level by seeing how many years it has been in business. The company's website and local reviews can also let you know whether the 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 it is not available online.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy include local review sites, social media, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Additionally, you can confirm the status of a company's license through the New Jersey licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors can all affect the cost of pest control.
You can look into whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget) and what type of guarantees it has. Often, a company will guarantee that if it does not eliminate your pest problem, it will keep coming back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control provider might be influenced by how environmentally friendly a company's pest control servicesare, in addition to how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
All pesticides that will be used (except those that pose only a minimum risk) must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control expert should be able to supply information on each pesticide they are using. They should inform you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to start with more eco-friendly treatment options before using harsh pesticides, following a framework called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Berkeley
Certain pests are more common than others. In Berkeley, common pests to be on the lookout for include the following:
- Ants: Ants are common in just about every part of New Jersey. Large carpenter ants can be even more of a problem than normal soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Ticks: If your house is near a forest or area with dense vegetation, or close to a body of water, you might be at higher risk of tick infestations. Ticks can spread Lyme or other diseases to you and your pets.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout New Jersey and can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are often difficult to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest bedsheets, furniture, wallpaper, and more.
- Mice: Common signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in places where food is stored.
