How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the best company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. Important factors can include a company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course 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?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them must be certified at the state level. The EPA does set minimum standards of competency, but all Rhode Island pesticide applicators need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for additional certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro in order to support its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is given to any company that can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. A company that receives this certification also needs to maintain certain training standards for employees.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Becoming a member of an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to education and resources, as well as a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Belonging to one of these organizations is not required, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a pest control company's website can tell you how many years it has been in business and what species of pests it specializes in eliminating. Online reviews can also provide some insight into a company's experience dealing with a certain type of pest. If you can't find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can browse reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up 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 the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should try to determine whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not resolved, or returns, does the company promise to offer additional treatments until the problem is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.
Safety
All pesticides that will be used (except those that are classified as minimum-risk) need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control expert should provide you with information on all the pesticides that they are using. They should be able to tell you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be in place.
Treatment Methods
Many companies will start with more environmentally friendly solutions before employing harsh pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- 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 if needed, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Warwick
Some specific pests are more common in Warwick, and these pests are the ones you should keep watch for. Some of these include the following:
- Ants: Ants can be found in just about every part of Rhode Island. Large carpenter ants can be an even bigger problem than normal soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your house.
- Moths: If you are finding holes in your linens or clothing, there's a chance that you have moths in your home. Moths are often found in dark places like closets, and are more common in warmer places.
- Mice: If your home has a mouse infestation, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in attics or in places where food is stored.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your basement, attic, or other moist, dark places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want an infestation of them in your house.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout Rhode Island, and they can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs can be hard to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest wallpaper, furniture, bedsheets, and more.
