How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step in the pest control process is hiring the right company for you. A company's qualifications and pest treatment methods are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, you will also want to think about cost.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those that supervise them) must be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators working in Ohio should be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. These certifications can help you evaluate the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification indicates comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for people and the environment.
A pest control company can also be a member of certain professional organizations. A pest control company can join both state-level organizations and national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to education, resources, and a network of professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
In general, a company will list information like its years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also tell you whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can speak with a company representative directly to get your questions answered.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check the status of its license through the Ohio licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration 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.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment can influence which provider and treatment methods you choose.
Safety
All pesticides (except those that pose only a minimum risk) are required to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should be able to provide information on all the pesticides that they will be using. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be in place.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have begun using more natural and eco-friendly treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some utilize a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Union
You might encounter some pests more often in Union. Certain ones to keep an eye out for include these:
- Ants: Ants can be found in just about every part of Ohio. Large carpenter ants can be an even bigger problem than regular soil ants, as they can cause structural damage to your house.
- Cockroaches: It's important to quickly stop a cockroach infestation, as they can sometimes spread diseases such as salmonella. Cockroaches are found in many places throughout Ohio, and they prefer wetter areas.
- Mice: Common signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are commonly found in attics or in areas where you keep food.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp areas. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your house.
