How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is picking the best pest control professional for the job. Things you may consider include qualifications and licensing, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
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 standards of competency, and the Ohio regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
An optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. In order to obtain this certification, a pest control company needs to both show that its practices are more eco-friendly and maintain certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can also obtain other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up their work.
Pest control companies 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. After joining an organization like the NPMA, a company receives access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The number of years that a company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with various pests. Online reviews or the company's website itself can also help you figure out whether it has the experience needed to handle your specific pest problem. If you cannot find the answers to your questions online, reaching out to the company directly is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Ohio licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when picking a company for pest control. Cost can be determined by factors like your location, the type of pest being treated, and the size of your house.
You can consider whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what kind 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
Your choice of pest control provider might be affected by how environmentally friendly a company's pest control management solutionsare, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
All pesticides (except those that are classified as minimum-risk) need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should provide information on every pesticide they plan to use. They should be able to tell you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are using options for more eco-friendly treatment methods before employing harsh pesticides.
One popular way of making pest control safer and greener is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Sylvania
Some specific pests are seen more commonly in Sylvania, and these pests are the ones to keep watch for. Some of these include the following:
- Cockroaches: It's important to deal with a cockroach infestation promptly, as they can bring in diseases such as salmonella. Cockroaches can be found throughout Ohio, and they prefer wetter areas.
- Flies: Flies can be a nuisance in your Sylvania home year-round, but they are especially common during the warmer months. You may spot flies around sinks or in places where food is kept.
- Fleas: Fleas typically prefer warmer weather and often get into your home by hiding in the fur of pets.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you might notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in attics or in places where food is kept.
- 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 home.
