How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. You may consider a pest control company's qualifications and methods of treatment in addition to 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 those that supervise them must be licensed at the state level. The EPA has established minimum competency standards, and the Ohio regulatory agencies handle the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain additional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has shown that its treatment methods are more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up its methods and practices.
Pest control professionals can also obtain membership in professional organizations. Joining an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to resources and education, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Membership in one of these organizations is not required, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Browsing a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in business and what species of pests it specializes in eliminating. Online reviews can also offer some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If you're unable to find this information online, you can try reaching out to the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media or local review sites. You can also check with Ohio's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should confirm whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatments until the problem is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when picking a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that provides eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control technician 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 should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider will be able to provide information about all of the pesticides that they plan on using.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have begun using more natural and greener treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some use a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control methods as needed.
Common Household Pests in Marion
Not all pests are equally pervasive in Marion. Some species that you should be wary of include the following:
- Bees: Bees around your house can be a nuisance, especially if someone in your household is allergic. Your pest control technician can help get rid of bees; some may even have the resources to safely relocate hives.
- Wasps: Wasps can be very hard to get rid of, especially when you're trying to avoid being stung. They can often be found in spots like roof overhangs, attics, garages, and sheds.
- Ants: Whether they are larger carpenter ants or smaller soils ants, these bugs are found in most areas of Ohio. Carpenter ants can pose a more urgent issue than their smaller counterparts by causing damage to your home.
- Mice: Some common signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice tend to frequent attics or areas where food is stored.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very hard to get rid of, so we recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout Ohio, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
