How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is hiring the right pest control company for the job. In addition to a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you might also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to consider the cost of services.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them are required to be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all North Carolina pesticide applicators need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help prove that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a company must show that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Additional certifications can be obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also belong to various professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in state-level organizations in addition to national organizations such as 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
A company's years in business can indicate how much experience it has handling pests in Winston-Salem. You can also look at its website or peruse customer reviews to figure out whether it has experience eliminating the type of pests you are looking to get rid of. If you cannot find this information online, calling the company directly is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can verify a company's legitimacy using social media or local review sites as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with North Carolina's licensing board to see the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be affected by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a company offers a satisfaction guarantees, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when choosing a pest control provider. You may also prefer one that provides eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
You want to ensure that you understand the precautions for the pesticides used around your home, for the sake of your family, your pets, and yourself. Your pest control expert should be able to supply information about the pesticides they will be using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures they have in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies will begin with more environmentally friendly solutions before using pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
