How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control expert, there are several factors that you can consider to be sure that you're choosing the best 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 look like. Last but not least, 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?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in New Jersey should be licensed by all the necessary 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 awarded once a company has shown that its treatment methods are more eco-friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up its methods and practices.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various professional organizations. Companies can belong to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. Membership in the NPMA provides companies with access to resources, education, and a network of other pest professionals. While not required, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a 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 inform you whether it has the skills and experience needed to handle your specific pest problem. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, calling a representative is a great way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, verify a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check the status of its license through the New Jersey licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you figure out if it fits into your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally friendly methods.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control technician if the chemicals they're using are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what sort of precautionary measures they will have in place. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to provide information about all pesticides that they plan on using.
Treatment Methods
Pest control professionals looking to reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and assess 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.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Brick
Not all pests are equally common in Brick. Some species that you should keep an eye out for are these:
- Ants: Ants can be found in basically all of New Jersey. Large carpenter ants can be an even bigger problem than normal soil ants, as they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Ticks: If you live near forests or areas with dense vegetation, or near a body of water, you may be at greater risk of a tick infestation. Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme to you and your pets.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in attics or in places where food is stored.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your house.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout New Jersey, and they can cause big problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations can be difficult to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest furniture, wallpaper, bedsheets, and more.
