How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control expert for you is important. Factors you might consider include qualifications and licensing, treatment methods, 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?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide application, licensure is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in New Jersey must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that could be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To obtain this certification, a pest control company needs to both show that its practices are more environmentally friendly and maintain certain technician training standards. Companies can earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up their work.
There are several professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. While not mandatory, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. After joining an organization like the NPMA, a company receives access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has handling pests in your area. You can also browse its website or read customer reviews to determine whether it has adequate experience with the species of pests you are looking to get rid of. If you cannot find this information online, speaking with a company representative is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore local review sites and social media to see what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the New Jersey licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is probably high on your list of priorities when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be influenced by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, to help you determine 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
Your choice of pest control company might be affected by how eco-friendly a provider's practicesare, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to explain the safety precautions of any and all pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to clarify whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not what safety precautions they will put in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Companies looking to reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides often follow practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
