How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, you want to be sure to find the best one for you. Things you may consider include qualifications and licensing, treatment methods, 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 taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Oregon need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain additional certifications like the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has proven its methods to be more eco-friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up its methods and practices.
A pest control company can also belong to certain professional organizations. Membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps show that a company is reputable. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Browsing a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what species 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're unable to find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local review sites or social media. You can also check with Oregon's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should verify whether a company provides free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatment until the problem is handled satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment might affect the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides when possible. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they will put in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Organizations looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
