How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When hiring a pest control professional, there are several things that you can consider to be sure that you're choosing the right one for you. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as are its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, you also want to consider cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensure is overseen at the state level. All pesticide applicators and supervisors in Washington must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. These certifications can help you evaluate the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification is given to companies that use comprehensive and effective pest control methods that are safer for people and the environment.
Pest control companies can also join certain professional organizations. When a company obtains membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it receives access to education, resources, and a network of other pest experts with whom to compare treatment methods. This can offer additional peace of mind that a company is following industry 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 provide some insight into a company's experience dealing with a certain type of pest. If you can't find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can verify a company's legitimacy using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media or local review sites. You can also check with Washington's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when picking a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment may influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) are required to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should be able to provide you with information on each pesticide 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 in place.
Treatment Methods
Pest control experts looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often follow practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in South Hill
Some pests are more common than others. In South Hill, common pests to be on the lookout for include the following:
- Ants: Whether smaller soil ants or larger carpenter ants, these bugs are found in most of Washington. Carpenter ants can pose a bigger problem than their smaller counterparts because they can do damage to your home.
- Flies: You might spot flies around sinks or in areas where food is kept. Flies might get into your South Hill home year-round, but they're especially common when the weather gets warmer.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your basement, attic, or other moist, dark areas. Even though most species of spider are harmless to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your home.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs are often very hard to get rid of, so we strongly recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Washington, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
