How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control expert, there are a number of factors you can consider to be sure that you're choosing the right one for you. You might take into consideration a pest control company's qualifications and treatment methods as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
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 their supervisors must be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Ohio must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
An optional certification that might be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. In order to obtain this certification, a pest control company must both show that its practices are more eco-friendly and maintain certain technician training standards. Companies can obtain other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further support their work.
A pest control company can also belong to certain professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help show a company's reputability. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a pest control company's experience level by finding out how many years it has been in operation. Local reviews and the company's own website can also let you know whether a certain company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can call the company directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. Additionally, you can confirm the status of a company's license via the Ohio licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be affected by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates as part of their process, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a provider offers a satisfaction guarantee, 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 concern when selecting a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that provides eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
Ask your pest control provider if they plan on using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask about what precautionary measures will be in place. Any pesticide that presents above a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should provide information about all of the pesticides used, and how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Nowadays, many companies are exploring more eco-friendly pest management that can be implemented before (or in place of) chemical pesticides. Many are following the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
