How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control professional for you is key. A company's qualifications and treatment methods are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you also want to think about cost.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them must be licensed at the state level. The EPA maintains minimum standards of competency, and the New Jersey regulatory agencies handle the granting, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. While not required, they can help you evaluate the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification indicates comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for humans and the environment.
Pest control companies can also join certain professional organizations. Pest control companies can join both state-level organizations and national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). By being a member of these optional organizations, a company helps support its reputability and gains access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at how long a company has been in business can help determine how much experience it has handling various pests in West New York. You can also explore its website or look through customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the type of pests you are dealing with. If you cannot find this information online, speaking with a company representative is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check its licensure status through the New Jersey licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when selecting a pest control provider. You might also prefer one that provides eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
Ask your pest control expert if they are going to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask about what precautionary measures they plan to use. Any pesticide that has been deemed above minimum risk needs to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to provide information about all of the pesticides that will be used in your home, as well as how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Pest control professionals looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often follow practices 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 needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
