How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of factors that you can take into consideration when choosing the best pest control companyfor you. You may consider a company's qualifications and methods of treatment in addition to its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors are required to be certified at the state level. The EPA does set minimum standards of competency, but all Pennsylvania pesticide applicators must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help show that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. For this certification, a company must show that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Additional certifications can be obtained through trade organizations like QualityPro.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of other pest professionals. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has taking care of pests in Altoona. You can also look at its website or look through customer reviews to determine whether it has adequate experience with the type of pests you are looking to get rid of. If this information is not available online, contacting a representative directly is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read local review sites and social media to see what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing through the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when hiring for pest control services. Cost can be affected by factors like your location, the type of pest being treated, and the size of your house.
You can look into whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what sort of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When picking a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You may also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that are classified as minimum-risk) are required to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to provide information on every pesticide they are using. They should inform you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
Pest control professionals looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often follow practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Altoona
You might encounter some pests more frequently in Altoona. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Ticks: If your home is near a forest or an area of dense vegetation, or close to a body of water, you may be at higher risk of tick infestations. Ticks can spread Lyme or other diseases to you and your pets.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your attic or other moist, dark places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your home.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout Pennsylvania and can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often difficult to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest bedsheets, furniture, wallpaper, and more.
