How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several factors you can weigh when selecting the right pest control expertfor you. You might take into consideration a company's qualifications and treatment methods as well as its customer reviews and years of experience. And of course, there's the cost of services to consider.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is overseen at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in South Carolina must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can earn the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer other certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a company is reputable.
A pest control company can also hold membership in various professional organizations. Pest control companies can join state-level organizations as well as national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
A pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in business and what type of pests it specializes in eliminating. Online reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If you're unable to find this information online, you can try reaching out to the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can read reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check its licensure status through the South Carolina licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment can influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to discuss the safety of the pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to answer questions about whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not what safety precautions they will put 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
Many pest control companies have started making the switch to using more natural and environmentally friendly treatment methods before (or instead of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some follow a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest control management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control solutions as needed.
