How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several factors you can weigh when choosing the best pest control expertfor you. Important factors include the company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Oklahoma must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. These certifications can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification is given to companies that use comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for humans and the environment.
Pest control companies can also become members of professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help show a company's reputability. In the NPMA and other organizations, pest control companies have access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with pests in your area. Online reviews or the company's own website can also help you figure out whether it has the skills and experience necessary to deal with your particular pests. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, calling a representative is a great way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can browse reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, verify a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the Oklahoma licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you figure out if it fits into your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control provider might be influenced by how environmentally friendly a company's practicesare, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
You should ask your pest control expert if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what kind of precautionary measures they will have in place. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician will be able to provide you with information about all chemicals they plan to use.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are using options for more eco-friendly methods of pest control before jumping into using harsh pesticides.
One common way of making pest control safer and more eco-friendly is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.
