How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, there are a number of factors you can consider to make sure that you're choosing the right one for you. Important decision-making factors include the company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, should be licensed via the appropriate New York regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but providing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
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. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer additional certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Joining an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to resources and education, as well as a professional network to compare best practices with. Belonging to one of these organizations is not required, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a pest company's level of experience by finding out how many years it has been in business. Local reviews and the company's own website can also clue you in as to whether the company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can always contact a representative directly to learn this information if it is not available online.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. Additionally, you can check the status of a company's license through the New York licensing board.
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 considering the cost of services, you should try to determine whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, does the company provide additional treatments until the problem is satisfactorily resolved?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when selecting a pest control expert. You might also prefer a provider who uses more natural, eco-friendly treatment methods.
Safety
Your pest control technician should be able to explain the safety precautions of the pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to answer questions about whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose above a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Companies often begin with more eco-friendly solutions before using pesticides, using a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Bethlehem
Certain pests are more common in Bethlehem, and these are the ones you should keep watch for. Some of these include the following:
- Ticks: If you live near forests or areas of dense vegetation, or near a body of water, you might be at greater risk of a tick infestation. Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme to you or your pets.
- Ants: Whether they are larger carpenter ants or smaller soils ants, these pests can be found in most parts of New York. Carpenter ants can pose a more urgent issue than their smaller counterparts because they can do damage to your home.
- Wasps: Wasps can be very hard to get rid of, especially when you're trying to avoid their stingers. They can often be found in places like garages, attics, roof overhangs, and sheds.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout New York and can cause serious problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often difficult to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest bedsheets, wallpaper, furniture, and more.
- 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 places where food is kept or in attics.
