How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. You may take into consideration a company's qualifications, 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?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, must be licensed via the appropriate New York regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established 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?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are environmentally 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 hold membership in various professional organizations. When a company becomes a member of an organization such as the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it receives access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control experts with whom to compare methods. This can offer added peace of mind that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a pest control company's level of pest management 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 a company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always reach out to a representative directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, read reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the New York licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors can all affect the cost of pest control.
You can look into whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), as well as what sort of guarantees it has. Often, a company will provide a guarantee that if it does not eliminate your pest problem, it will keep coming back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to select one that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.
Safety
You will want to understand the precautions around pesticides being used around your house, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control technician should supply information about all pesticides they intend to use, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now exploring greener and cleaner pest control solutions that can be used before (or in place of) chemical pesticides. Many are following the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Guilderland
Certain pests are more common than others. In Guilderland, common pests to be watchful for include the following:
- Cockroaches: It's important to quickly stop a cockroach infestation, as they can sometimes spread diseases like salmonella. Cockroaches can be found in many places throughout New York, and they prefer wetter areas.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other damp, dark areas. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your home.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations are often very hard to quash, so we strongly recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout New York, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Mice: If you have mice, you might notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is kept.
