How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is selecting the right pest control professional for the job. A company's qualifications and pest treatment methods are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you will also want to consider 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) sets minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensure is overseen at the state level. All pesticide applicators and supervisors in Utah need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
An optional certification that could 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 also obtain other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up their work.
Pest control experts can also hold membership in professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of other pest control companies. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
In general, a company provides information like years of experience and specialities on its website. Online reviews can also help you figure out if a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you can't get the information you need online, you can speak with a company representative directly to get the answers to your questions.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local review sites, and social media. You can also verify the status of a company's license via the Utah licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should confirm whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or returns, will the company provide additional treatment until the issue is satisfactorily handled?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when selecting a pest control provider. You might also prefer one that provides eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
All pesticides that will be used (except those that pose only a minimum risk) are required to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control expert should be able to supply information on every pesticide they are using. They should be able to tell you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions they plan to take.
Treatment Methods
Many companies will begin with more environmentally friendly treatment options before employing harsh pesticides, following a framework called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Roy
Certain pests are more common than others. In Roy, common pests to be watchful for include the following:
- Flies: You might notice flies around sinks or in areas where you keep food. Flies might get into your house in Roy throughout the year, but they're particularly common when the weather gets warmer.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might start noticing droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is kept.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout Utah and can lead to serious problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often difficult to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest wallpaper, bedsheets, furniture, and more.
