How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is hiring the best pest control professional for the job. In addition to a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Finally, you'll likely want to consider the cost of services.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) must be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Washington must be licensed via the necessary 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 that a company show that its practices are 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.
There are various professional organizations that a pest control company can be a member of. When a company joins an organization such as the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gets access to education, resources, and a network of other pest experts with whom to compare methods. This can give you added peace of mind that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a pest control company's level of experience by looking at how many years it has been in operation. Local reviews and the company's own website can also tell you whether a certain company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always call the company directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore local review sites and social media to hear what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing through the Washington licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important 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.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a provider offers a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when selecting a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that employs environmentally friendly practices.
Safety
All pesticides (except those that are classified as minimum-risk) must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should be able to provide you with information on all the pesticides that they will be using. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now exploring more eco-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 assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
