Best 5 Pest Control Companies in University Place, WA

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

There are a number of things that you can weigh when selecting the right pest control solutionfor you. Along with a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Finally, 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?

  All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, must be licensed via the appropriate Washington regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but issuing, maintaining, and revoking licensing is handled at the state level.

• Is the company a member of any professional organizations?

  Pest control companies can optionally obtain additional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is awarded once a company has shown that its treatment methods are more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also maintains certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further verify its practices and methods.

  There are several professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. While not required, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help demonstrate 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 discuss best practices.

Professional Experience and Specialties

You can gain some insight into a pest control company's level of pest management experience by seeing how many years it has been in operation. The company's website and local reviews can also let you know whether a company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can contact a representative directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.

• 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

  For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when picking a company for pest control. Cost can be influenced by factors like the type of pest being treated, your location, and the size of your house.

  You can take into consideration whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits your budget), and what sort of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if its treatment doesn't resolve your pest problem, it will continue to come back until it does.

Safety and Treatment Methods

Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment may affect the provider and the treatment methods you choose.

• Safety

  All pesticides (except those that pose only a minimum risk) are required to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should provide information on every pesticide 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

  You can ask if your pest control provider will begin with lower-toxicity and more eco-friendly treatment methods before using harsher chemicals.

  Many companies have begun to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce personal or environmental risk when treating pest infestations. The steps of IPM are as follows:

  1. Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is required.
  2. Decide on the safest course of action.
  3. Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
  4. Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
  5. Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.

Common Household Pests in University Place

Some specific pests are more prevalent in University Place, and these pests are the ones you should keep watch for. Some of these include the following:

• Moths: If you're dealing with a moth infestation, you might start finding holes in your clothing or linens. Moths do best in warmer weather and enjoy dark places like closets.
• Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very difficult to quash, so we recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Washington, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
• Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your house.
• Mice: Common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice tend to frequent attics or places where food is kept.