How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is selecting the best pest control company for the job. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and reputation in customer reviews. Of course, you also want to think about cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, licensure is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in West Virginia should be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. 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 treatment that is safer for people and the environment.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in professional organizations. Holding membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps verify a company's reputability. The NPMA gives companies access to resources, education, and a network of pest professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
A pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in business and what kind of pests it specializes in exterminating. Online reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If you can't find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), browse reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the West Virginia licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when hiring for pest control services. Cost can be affected by factors like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and your location.
You can look into whether a specific company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what sort of guarantees are provided. 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
Safety is an important consideration when selecting a pest control expert. You might also prefer a provider who uses more natural, environmentally friendly methods.
Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to explain the safety precautions of any and all pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to clarify whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not what safety precautions will be in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies are now exploring greener and cleaner pest management that can be implemented before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many are following the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Charleston
In Charleston, some species of pests are more common than others. This list of pests includes the following:
- Bees: Bees around your house can be a nuisance, especially if someone in your household has an allergy. Your pest control technician can help eliminate bees, and some may even have the resources to safely relocate hives.
- Mice: Some telltale signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are often found in attics or in places where food is kept.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp areas. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your home.
