How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things you can weigh when selecting the right pest control solutionfor you. Along with a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you may also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Finally, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those that supervise them) need to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Pennsylvania must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer additional certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also obtain membership in professional organizations. Becoming a member of an organization such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to education and resources, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Joining organizations like these is not mandatory, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at how long a company has been in business can help determine how much experience it has taking care of various pests in Manheim. You can also explore its website or peruse customer reviews to determine whether it has adequate experience with the type of pests you are looking to get rid of. If you cannot find this information online, contacting a representative directly is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local review sites, and social media. Additionally, you can check the status of a company's license via the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when picking a company for pest control services. Cost can be influenced by factors like the type of pest being treated, your location, and the size of your house.
You can consider 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 its treatment doesn't resolve your pest problem, it will continue to come back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment can influence which provider and treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Your pest control expert should use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides whenever possible. If any pesticides they intend to use don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your pest technician will start with more eco-friendly and lower-toxicity treatment methods before moving on to harsher chemicals.
Many companies have begun to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to eliminate pests while reducing personal and environmental risks. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Manheim
Not all pests are equally prevalent in Manheim. Some species that you should be on the lookout for are these:
- Ants: Ants can be found in just about every part of Pennsylvania. Large carpenter ants can be an even bigger problem than regular soil ants, as they can cause structural damage to your house.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout Pennsylvania and can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are often hard to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest furniture, bedsheets, wallpaper, and more.
- Mice: Some telltale signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice are commonly found in attics or in areas where food is stored.
- Spiders: These pests prefer damp and dark places and are often found in attics.
