How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control treatment plan for you is key. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as are its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you also want to think about 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 established minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is regulated at the state level. All pesticide applicators and 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 have the option to obtain certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. While not required, they can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification recognizes comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for humans and the environment.
Pest control companies can also be members of various professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help to prove a company's reputability. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Typically, a company displays information like its specialities and years of experience on its website. Local reviews can also help you determine if a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you're unable to locate the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get the answers to your questions.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out social media and local review sites to see what others in your area have to say, or verify its license standing via the Oregon licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should confirm whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or returns, will the company provide additional treatments until the issue is handled satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment might affect the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
You will want to understand the precautions around pesticides used around your house, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control expert should be capable of providing information about all pesticides they plan to use, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Companies often start with more eco-friendly treatment methods before using pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Springfield
You might deal with some pests more frequently in Springfield. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Snakes: Snakes often enter homes in search of food, and once inside they tend to prefer damp, cool, and dark places like basements. While most species of snakes are harmless, most people don't want their family, their pets, or themselves to take that risk.
- Ants: Ants are common in basically all of Oregon. Large carpenter ants can be even more of a problem than normal soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other damp, dark areas. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your house.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations are often very difficult to eliminate, so we recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout Oregon, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
