How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control professional, there are a number of factors you can consider to make sure that you're choosing the best one for you. 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) has set minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensure is regulated at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Ohio must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for additional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations in order to back up its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is granted when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. A company that receives this certification also needs to maintain certain employee training standards.
A pest control company can also belong to various professional organizations. Membership in an organization such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to resources and education, in addition to a professional network to compare best practices with. Membership in organizations like these is not required, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The number of years that a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with the pests that live in West Chester. Online reviews or the company's own website can also enlighten you about whether it has the experience necessary to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If you can't find the information you need online, contacting the company directly is an easy way to learn about its areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, verify a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check the status of its license through the Ohio licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when choosing 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 see if it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment may affect which provider and treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Ask your pest control provider if the chemicals they're using are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what kind of precautionary measures they plan to take. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to supply you with information about all of the pesticides they are going to use.
Treatment Methods
Companies often start with more eco-friendly solutions before using harsh pesticides, following a framework called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in West Chester
You might run into some pests more frequently in West Chester. Some to keep an eye out for include these:
- Termites: If termites get out of hand, they could cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Termites often enter your home via nearby piles of rotting wood, mulch, or firewood.
- Bees: Having bees around your home can be a nuisance, particularly if someone in your household is allergic. Your pest control technician can help get rid of bees, and some may even be able to help safely relocate hives.
- Cockroaches: It's important to take care of a cockroach infestation quickly, as they can sometimes spread diseases like salmonella. Cockroaches are found throughout Ohio, and they prefer wetter areas.
- Mice: If your home has a mouse infestation, you might notice droppings or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is kept.
- Spiders: These pests prefer damp and dark places and are often found in basements or attics.
