How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control solution for you is key. Along with a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to look at 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?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors are required to be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all Utah pesticide applicators must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
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 more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer other certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a pest control company is reputable.
A pest control company can also be a member of various professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. Membership in the NPMA provides companies with access to education, resources, and a network of other pest control companies. While not required, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with pests in your area. Customer reviews or the company's own website can also enlighten you about whether it has the experience needed to deal with your particular pests. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, speaking with a representative is an excellent way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look at a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore social media and local review sites to see what other people are saying, or verify its license standing via the Utah licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is probably high on your list of priorities when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be influenced by the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control expert should be able to provide you with information on every pesticide they are using. They should be able to tell you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be in place.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies have begun using more natural and greener treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some use a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest control management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Lehi
Certain pests are seen more commonly in Lehi, and these pests are the ones to keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Beetles: In Lehi and around the country, there are a number of species of beetles that could create problems. While many beetles are harmless, others can cause damage to your home by eating wood, carpeting, and more.
- Snakes: Snakes often enter houses looking for food, and once inside they tend to prefer cool, damp, and dark areas like basements. Although most species of snakes are harmless, most people don't want their family, their pets, or themselves to take that risk.
- Mice: Some common signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in places where food is kept.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs are often very difficult to get rid of, so we strongly recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Utah, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
