How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is choosing the right pest control professional for the job. Important decision-making factors include the company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
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) has established minimum standards of competency, while providing, maintaining, and revoking licensing is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can earn the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer other certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a pest control company is reputable.
There are various professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. Being a member of organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps confirm that a company follows industry best practices. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of pest professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a pest control company's website can tell you how many years it has been in business and what kind of pests it specializes in eliminating. Local reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with a certain type of pest. If you're unable to find this information online, you can try reaching out to the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can browse reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the New Jersey licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should verify whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not resolved, or returns, does the company provide additional treatments until the problem is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when choosing a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that uses eco-friendly treatment methods.
Safety
You will want to understand the precautions around pesticides being used around your home, for the sake of your family, your pets, and yourself. Your pest control provider should provide information about the pesticides they plan on using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be used. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now trialing options for more eco-friendly methods of pest control before moving to 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:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
