How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When hiring a pest control company, you want to find the best one to meet your needs. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and reputation in customer reviews. Of course, you will also want to consider 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 (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 any pesticide applicators working in the state of New Jersey should 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 employee training is up to date. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer other certifications. These are not required, but can help demonstrate that a company is reputable.
Pest control professionals can also obtain membership in professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control companies. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
For the most part, a company provides information like its specialities and years of experience on its website. Online reviews can also inform you as to whether a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you can't get the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get the answers to your questions.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look at a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out local review sites and social media to see what other people are saying, or verify its license standing through the New Jersey licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should confirm whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatment until the issue is handled satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to select one that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer an eco-friendly provider.
Safety
Ask your pest control provider if they are going to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides—if not, ask what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that poses greater than minimum risk needs to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to supply information about all pesticides that will be used in your home, and how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Pest control companies looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
