How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the right pest control expertfor you. You might take into consideration a pest control company's qualifications and methods of treatment in addition to its customer reviews and years of experience. And of course, there's 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?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them are required to be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Ohio need to be licensed through the proper 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. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer additional certifications. These are not required, but can help demonstrate that a company is reputable.
A pest control company can also hold membership in certain professional organizations. Becoming a member of an organization such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to resources and education, and a professional network to compare best practices with. Belonging to organizations like these is not required, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what type of pests it specializes in exterminating. Online reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with a specific pest. If you can't find this information online, you can try contacting the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources you can use to check a company's reputation include local review sites, social media, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check the status of a company's license through the Ohio licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when looking for pest control services. Cost can be determined by factors like the type of pest being treated, your location, and the size of your house.
You can look into whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what sort of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company, and you might prefer a provider who employs more natural, eco-friendly methods.
Safety
Your pest control technician should be able to explain the safety precautions of all pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to clarify whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose above a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Pest control companies looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- 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, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Reynoldsburg
You might deal with some pests more often in Reynoldsburg. Some to keep an eye out for include these:
- Cockroaches: It's important to take care of a cockroach infestation quickly, as they can sometimes spread diseases such as salmonella. Cockroaches are found in many places throughout Ohio, and they prefer wetter areas.
- Fleas: These pests typically prefer warmer weather and often get into your house by hiding in pet fur.
- Moths: If you're finding holes in your clothing or linens, it's possible that you have moths in your home. Moths prefer dark places like closets, and they're more common in warmer places.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very hard to eliminate, so we recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Ohio, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your house.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in attics or in places where food is kept.
