How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step in the pest control process is hiring the right company for you. Things you might consider include licensing and qualifications, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensure is regulated at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in New York must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help show that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. For this certification, a company must show that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Other certifications can be obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. A pest control company can obtain membership in both state-level organizations and national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to resources, education, and a network of professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at how long a pest control company has been in business can help determine how much experience it has handling common pests in Haverstraw. You can also explore its website or read customer reviews to figure out whether it has experience eliminating the type of pests you are looking to get rid of. If this information can't be found online, contacting a representative directly is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, read reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the New York licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when picking a company for pest control. Cost can be influenced by factors like the type of pest being treated, your location, and the size of your house.
You can think about whether a specific company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits your budget), and what kind of guarantees it provides. 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
When 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 an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to explain the safety precautions of all pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to answer questions about whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not what safety precautions they plan to use to protect you, your family, and your pets. All pesticides that pose above a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to begin with more eco-friendly treatment methods before employing pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Haverstraw
Not all pests are equally pervasive in Haverstraw. Some species that you should keep an eye out for are these:
- Snakes: Snakes prefer damp, cool, and dark areas like basements and will often enter a home in search of food. Most species of snakes are harmless, but this is not a risk that you want your family or pets to take.
- Moths: If your house has moths, you might start finding holes in your clothing or linens. Moths thrive in warmer weather and enjoy dark places like closets.
- Wasps: In many cases, wasps are difficult to get rid of, especially while trying to avoid being stung. They are commonly found in spots like sheds, garages, roof overhangs, and attics.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might start noticing droppings or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is kept.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer dark and damp places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
