How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control company, you want to find the right one for you. A company's qualifications and treatment methods are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you also want to think about cost.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) are required to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators working in the state of Ohio must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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 eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer additional certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also belong to various professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. After joining an organization like the NPMA, a company receives access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a pest company's experience level by looking at how many years it has been in business. Local reviews and the company's own website can also inform you whether the company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can reach out to a representative directly to learn this information if it is not available online.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local review sites, and social media. Additionally, you can verify the status of a company's license via the Ohio licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is probably high on your list of priorities when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be affected by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
Companies will often 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 if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When picking a pest control provider, you want to select one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.
Safety
You should ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what precautionary measures they will have in place. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to supply you with information about all chemicals that they plan to use.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now trialing options for more eco-friendly pest control solutions before relying on harsh pesticides.
One popular way of making pest control safer and more eco-friendly is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether 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 along with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
