How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is hiring the right pest control company for the job. You might consider a company's qualifications, treatment 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, should be licensed via the appropriate New York regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but issuing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can receive optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to verify its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is awarded when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more eco-friendly. These companies also need to maintain certain employee training standards.
A pest control company can also hold membership in various professional organizations. Holding membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps show that a company is reputable. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a pest control company's level of experience by seeing how long it has been in business. The company's website and local reviews can also tell you whether a certain company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always contact a representative directly to learn this information if it is not available online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), look for 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
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should confirm 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 what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, will the company provide additional treatments until the issue is satisfactorily resolved?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when selecting a pest control provider. You may also prefer one that uses eco-friendly pest management treatment methods.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that pose only a minimum risk) must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should be able to provide you with information on every pesticide they plan to use. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your pest control expert will begin with more eco-friendly and lower-toxicity treatment methods before trying harsher chemicals.
Many companies have started to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce personal or environmental risk when treating pest infestations. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
