How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the best pest control companyfor you. In addition to a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Finally, you'll likely want to consider the cost of services.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, licensure is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Ohio need to be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that might be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To get this certification, a pest control company must both demonstrate that its practices are more eco-friendly and uphold certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further support their work.
There are certain professional organizations that a pest control company can belong to. Being a member of organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps confirm that a company follows industry best practices. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The number of years that a pest control company has been in business can give you some insight into its experience dealing with various pests. Online reviews or the company's website itself can also enlighten you about whether it has the skills and experience needed to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If you can't find the information you need online, contacting the company directly is a great way to learn about its areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. Additionally, you can check the status of a company's license through the Ohio licensing board.
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, your location, the size of your house, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates at the beginning 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 if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment might influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides any time they can. If any pesticides they intend to use don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they will put in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started making the switch to using more natural and eco-friendly treatment methods before (or instead of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some follow a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 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 mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control treatments as needed.
Common Household Pests in Gahanna
You might deal with some pests more often in Gahanna. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Termites: If termites get out of hand, they could cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Termites often get inside via nearby piles of firewood, rotting wood, or mulch.
- Moths: If your house has moths, you might start finding holes in your linens or clothing. Moths thrive in warmer weather and prefer dark places like closets.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs are often very difficult to quash, so we recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Ohio, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your house.
