How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When selecting a pest control company, there are a number of factors you can consider to make sure you choose the right one for you. Things you may consider include licensing and qualifications, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensing is overseen at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Texas must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. In order to earn this certification, a pest control company needs to both show that its practices are more eco-friendly and uphold certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can obtain other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up their work.
There are several professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. Membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps verify a company's reputability. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has taking care of pests in Sherman. You can also explore its website or read customer reviews to determine whether it has adequate experience with the species of pests you are struggling with. If this information is not available online, calling the company directly is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Texas licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when picking a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, 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 guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when choosing a pest control provider. You might also prefer one that employs environmentally friendly practices.
Safety
You will want to understand the precautions around pesticides used in your house, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control provider should provide information about all pesticides they plan on using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to start with more environmentally friendly options before employing pesticides, following a framework 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 required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Sherman
Not all pests are equally pervasive in Sherman. Some species that you should keep an eye out for include the following:
- Ants: Whether they are smaller soil ants or larger carpenter ants, these pests are found in most parts of Texas. Carpenter ants can cause more problems than their smaller counterparts by causing damage to your house.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your attic or other moist, dark areas. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your house.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout Texas and can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often tricky 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.
- Mice: Some telltale signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice tend to frequent attics or places where you keep food.
