How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control expert for you is key. You may take into consideration a company's qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we discuss each factor in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in New Jersey should be licensed by all 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 that a company show that its practices are eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer additional certifications. These are not required, but can help demonstrate that a company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also be members of certain professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of other pest professionals. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
In general, a company displays information like years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also help you figure out if a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you can't get the information you need online, you can call the company directly to get the answers to your questions.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using local review sites or social media as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with New Jersey's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when picking a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you decide if it fits into your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to picking a pest control provider, you want to select one that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You may also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
Your pest technician should be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides when possible. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to begin with more environmentally friendly treatment methods before employing harsh pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether 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.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Vineland
You might deal with some pests more frequently in Vineland. Some to keep an eye out for include these:
- Wasps: Wasps are often found in spots like attics, sheds, roof overhangs, and garages. They are often difficult to exterminate, and have painful stings. Your local pest control technician can remove wasp nests from your property safely.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your basement, attic, or other damp, dark places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want an infestation of them in your house.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you may 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 kept.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs are often very hard to eliminate, so we recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout New Jersey, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
