How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step in the pest control process is hiring the right company for you. You may take into consideration a company's qualifications, methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we explore the details of each factor.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum competency standards for pesticide application, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in New Jersey need to be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
An optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a pest control company must both demonstrate that its practices are more eco-friendly and maintain certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up their work.
There are various professional organizations that a pest control company can belong to. When a company joins an organization such as the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gains access to education, resources, and a network of other pest control experts with whom to compare treatment methods. This can offer extra peace of mind that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a pest control company has been in business can give you some insight into its experience dealing with the pests that live in Washington. Online reviews or the company's website itself can also enlighten you about whether it has the skills and experience necessary to deal with your particular pests. If you can't find the information you need online, contacting the company directly is an easy way to learn about its areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), look for reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the New Jersey licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when hiring for pest control services. Cost can be affected by factors like your location, the size of your house, and the type of pest being treated.
You can look into whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits your budget), and what sort of guarantees are provided. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when deciding on a pest control professional, and you might prefer a provider who uses more natural, environmentally friendly pest control services.
Safety
You will want to understand the precautions for the pesticides being used in your home, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control technician should provide information about all pesticides they will be using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be used. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Pest professionals looking to reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Washington
Not all pests are equally common around Washington. Some species that you should keep an eye out for are these:
- Flies: You might see flies around sinks or in places where food is kept. Flies might get into your house in Washington throughout the year, but they're particularly common when the weather gets warmer.
- Spiders: These pests prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very hard to quash, so we strongly recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout New Jersey, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Mice: Telltale signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice tend to frequent attics or places where you keep food.
