How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When hiring a pest control company, you want to find the best one to meet your needs. You may consider a company's qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we explore the details of each factor.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, need to be licensed via the appropriate North Dakota regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while providing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro in order to back up its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is granted when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more eco-friendly. A company that receives this certification also needs to maintain certain employee training standards.
There are several professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. 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 education, resources, and a network of professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with pests in your area. Online reviews or the company's website itself can also inform you whether it has the skills and experience necessary to handle your specific pest problem. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, calling a representative is a great way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out local review sites and social media to learn what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the North Dakota 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 thinking about the cost of services, you should confirm whether a company provides free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or if it returns, does the company provide additional treatment until the problem is satisfactorily handled?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when selecting a pest control provider. You might also prefer one that employes eco-friendly practices.
Safety
Ask your pest control expert if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what kind of precautionary measures they will have in place. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to provide information about all of the pesticides that they are going to use.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies are making the switch to using more natural and eco-friendly treatment methods before (or instead of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some use a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control services as needed.
Common Household Pests in Minot
Some pests are more common than others. In Minot, common pests to be watchful for include the following:
- Snakes: Snakes prefer cool, dark, and damp places like basements and often enter a home looking for food. While most species of snakes are harmless, this is not a risk that you want your family or pets to take.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in places where food is stored or in attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout North Dakota, and they can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often hard to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest furniture, wallpaper, bedsheets, and more.
