How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the right pest control expertfor you. You might consider a pest control company's qualifications and treatment methods in addition to its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) must be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets 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?
Pest control companies can obtain optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. These certifications can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification is given to companies that use comprehensive and effective pest control methods that are safer for humans and the environment.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Companies can obtain membership in the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control companies. While not required, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Browsing 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 exterminating. Online reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If you're unable to find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the New Jersey licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when picking 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 match services to your budget. You can also see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control provider might be affected by how environmentally friendly a company's pest control servicesare, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
You can ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask what precautionary measures they plan to use. Any pesticide that has been deemed above minimum risk must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control company should be able to provide information about all of the pesticides to be used, and how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies are now exploring cleaner and greener pest management that can be implemented before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
