How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control expert for you is key. Factors you might consider include licensing and qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, should be licensed via the appropriate South Carolina regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while issuing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
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 eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer additional certifications. While not required, these can help show that a company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Joining an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to education and resources, in addition to a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Belonging to organizations like these is not required, but it can help indicate 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 dealing with various pests in Myrtle Beach. You can also explore its website or peruse customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the type of pests you are struggling with. If this information can't be found online, contacting a representative directly is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the South Carolina licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should confirm whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatments until the issue is handled satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when choosing a pest control company, and you might prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally friendly methods.
Safety
Ask your pest control expert if they plan on using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that presents above a minimum risk needs to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control company should be able to supply information about all of the pesticides that will be used in your home, as well as how safe they are around people and pets.
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 employ a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest control management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control treatment methods as needed.
