How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things that you can take into consideration when selecting the best pest control solutionfor you. In addition to a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you might 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 discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the minimum standards of competency for pesticide application, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Utah must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can receive optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to support its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is awarded when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. Companies that receive this certification also need to maintain certain employee training standards.
A pest control company can also obtain membership in professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership 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
You can get some insight into a pest company's level of experience by finding out how long it has been in business. The company's website and local reviews can also let you know whether a certain company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can reach out to a representative directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, look for 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 someone for pest control. Cost can be affected by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you decide 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 choice of pest control provider might be affected by how eco-friendly a company's pest control servicesare, in addition to how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to discuss the safety of any and all pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to answer questions about whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before, or in place of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some use a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is required.
- 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 when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest control management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control treatment methods as needed.
