How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control treatment for you is key. Things you might consider include licensing and qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, licensing is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Washington must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can earn 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 additional certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a company is reputable.
A pest control company can also hold membership in various professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in state-level organizations in addition to national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to education, resources, and a network of professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has taking care of pests in your area. You can also browse its website or peruse customer reviews to figure out whether it has experience eliminating the species of pests you are struggling with. If this information can't be found online, speaking with a company representative is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can verify a company's legitimacy using social media or local review sites as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with Washington's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
It's important to think about cost when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be affected by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, 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 a company offers a satisfaction guarantees, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when selecting a pest control company, and you might prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally friendly pest control management.
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 provide you with information on all the pesticides that 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
Nowadays, many companies are exploring more environmentally friendly pest management that can be implemented before (or in place of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- 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 in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
