How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is picking the right pest control professional for the job. Along with a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you might also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Finally, you'll likely want to consider 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?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) are required to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators working in Texas should be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can also obtain optional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is given once a company has shown that its treatment methods are more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also maintains certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further verify its practices and methods.
A pest control company can also belong to 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, plus a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Membership in one of these organizations is not mandatory, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The number of years that a pest control company has been in business can give you some insight into its experience dealing with the pests that live in Texarkana. Customer reviews or the company's website itself can also inform you whether it has the experience needed to handle your specific pest problem. If you cannot find the answers to your questions online, calling a representative is an easy way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local review sites or social media. You can also check with Texas' licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when hiring for pest control. Cost can be determined by factors like the type of pest being treated, your location, and the size of your house.
You can think about whether a certain company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what sort of guarantees are provided. Often, a company will guarantee that if its treatment doesn't resolve your pest problem, it will continue to come back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control company might be influenced by how eco-friendly a provider's pest control servicesare, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to discuss the safety of any and all pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to clarify whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions they will put in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to begin with more eco-friendly solutions before employing pesticides, using 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 whether 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.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Texarkana
Some pests are seen more commonly in Texarkana, and these are the ones to keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Ticks: If your house is near a forest or area of dense vegetation, or close to a body of water, you may be at higher risk of tick infestations. Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme to you and your pets.
- Flies: You might spot flies around sinks or in places where you keep food. Flies might get into your house in Texarkana throughout the year, but they're especially common during warmer months.
- Cockroaches: It's important to take care of a cockroach infestation quickly, as they can carry diseases like salmonella. Cockroaches are found in many places throughout Texas, and they prefer wetter areas like Texarkana.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout Texas and can cause major problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are tricky to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest bedsheets, furniture, wallpaper, and more.
- Mice: If your home has a mouse infestation, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in attics or in places where food is stored.
