How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is hiring the best pest control company for the job. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as are its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you also want to consider cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors need to be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in New Mexico need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can earn the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer additional certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also become members of various professional organizations. Companies can belong to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of other pest control companies. While not required, membership in professional organizations helps demonstrate a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Typically, a company will list information like specialities and years of experience on its website. Local 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 speak with a company representative directly to get the answers to your questions.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using social media or local review sites as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with New Mexico's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should confirm whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account a company's guarantees: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, does the company provide additional treatments until the issue is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company, and you might prefer a provider who employs more natural, eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to supply information on every pesticide they plan to use. They should be able to tell you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions they plan to take.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to start with more eco-friendly treatment options before employing harsh pesticides, following a framework called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
