How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, you want to be sure to find the best one to meet your needs. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as are its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you also want to think about cost.
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 their supervisors need to be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all Tennessee pesticide applicators need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help show that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a company must show that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other various certifications can be obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
A pest control company can also belong to various professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in state-level organizations as well as national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to resources, education, and a network of professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a pest control company's experience level by looking into how long it has been in business. The company's website and local reviews can also clue you in as to whether a certain company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can always reach out to a representative directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, read reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Tennessee 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. Cost can be influenced by factors like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and your location.
You can think about whether a certain company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what kind of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when deciding on a pest control company. You might also prefer a provider who uses more natural, eco-friendly pest control management.
Safety
Your pest control expert should use pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic when possible. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect you, your family, and your pets. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now exploring greener and cleaner pest management that can be implemented before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many are following the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and 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 controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
