How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. Some things you may consider include licensing and qualifications, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is regulated at the state level. All pesticide applicators and supervisors in Ohio must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. To obtain this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other various certifications can be earned through trade organizations like QualityPro.
There are various professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. While not mandatory, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help demonstrate a company's reputability. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at 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. Local reviews can also offer some insight into a company's experience dealing with a specific pest. If this information isn't available online, you can try reaching out to the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local review sites, and social media. You can also check the status of a company's license through the Ohio licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when picking a pest control company. Cost may be determined by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you determine if it fits into your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when selecting a pest control expert. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control technician if the chemicals they're using are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what precautionary measures they will have in place. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to provide you with information about all of the pesticides they are going to use.
Treatment Methods
Pest professionals looking to reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Mifflin
Not all pests are equally common around Mifflin. Some species that you should be on the lookout for include the following:
- Cockroaches: You can find cockroaches in many parts of Ohio, although they prefer wetter areas. Cockroaches can get into your house through small cracks, and they can carry diseases like salmonella.
- Ants: Whether smaller soil ants or larger carpenter ants, these bugs are found in most parts of Ohio. Carpenter ants can pose a bigger problem than their smaller counterparts by causing damage to your home.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp places. Even though most species of spider are harmless to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your home.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout Ohio, and they can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations can be tricky 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.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you may start noticing droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is stored.
