How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control company, you want to make sure that you find the right one to meet your needs. Along with a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to look at 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?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them need to be licensed at the state level. The EPA maintains minimum standards of competency, and the Rhode Island regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro in order to support its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is given to any company that can demonstrate that its methods are more eco-friendly. A company that receives this certification also needs to maintain certain training standards for employees.
Pest control companies can also obtain membership in 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 education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at how long a pest control company has been in business can help determine how much experience it has handling various pests. You can also explore its website or peruse customer reviews to figure out whether it has experience eliminating the species of pests you are looking to get rid of. If this information can't be found online, speaking with a company representative is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can read reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, verify a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check the status of its license through the Rhode Island licensing board.
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 thinking about the cost of services, you should first look into whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatment until the issue is handled satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when picking a pest control provider. You may also prefer one that employes eco-friendly practices.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to explain the safety precautions of the pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to answer questions about whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. All pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your pest control provider will start with lower-toxicity, more natural treatment methods before employing harsher chemicals.
Many companies are using 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 if immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
