How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things that you can weigh when selecting the right pest control treatmentfor you. You might consider a company's qualifications, methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and price of services.
Below, we discuss each factor in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be licensed at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, and the Washington regulatory agencies handle the granting, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. To receive this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other various certifications can be earned through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
A pest control company can also obtain membership in professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. After joining an organization like the NPMA, a company receives access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a pest control company's website can tell you how many years it has been in business and what species of pests it specializes in exterminating. Local reviews can also offer some insight into a company's experience dealing with a certain type of pest. If you're unable to find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include social media, local review sites, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check the status of a company's license via the Washington licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when picking a company for pest control. Cost can be influenced by factors like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and your location.
You can take into consideration whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what kind of guarantees are provided. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You may also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control technician if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what sort of precautionary measures they will have in place. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider will be able to supply information about all of the pesticides they plan to use.
Treatment Methods
Many companies will begin with more eco-friendly treatment options before employing pesticides, using a technique 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.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Shoreline
Some pests are more prevalent in Shoreline, and these are the ones to keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Moths: If you've started noticing holes in your clothing or linens, it's possible that you have moths in your home. Moths are often found in dark places like closets, and are more common in warmer places.
- Ticks: If you live near forests or areas of dense vegetation, or close to a body of water, you may be at greater risk of a tick infestation. Ticks can spread Lyme or other diseases to you and your pets.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other moist, dark areas. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want an infestation of them in your house.
- Mice: If you have mice, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in attics or in places where food is kept.
