How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. You might consider a pest control company's qualifications and treatment methods in addition to its years of experience and customer reviews. And of course, there's the cost of services to consider.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensure is handled 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?
Pest control companies can also obtain optional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has proven its methods to be more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further support its methods and practices.
Pest control companies can also belong to various professional organizations. Pest control companies can join state-level organizations in addition to national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). By being a member of these optional organizations, a company helps support its reputability and gains access to resources, education, and a network of professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a pest control company's level of pest management experience by looking at how long it has been in operation. Local reviews and the company's own website can also clue you in as to whether the company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can contact the company directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Utah licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
It's important to think about cost when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be affected by the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, 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
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment may affect which provider and treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to discuss the safety of any pesticides that will be used in your home. They should be able to explain 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. Any pesticides that pose above a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Companies often begin with more environmentally friendly treatment methods before employing 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 determine if immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.
