How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several factors you can take into consideration when choosing the best pest control treatmentfor you. A company's qualifications and pest treatment methods 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 dive into detail on each of these factors.
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 need to be licensed at the state level. The EPA has established minimum standards of competency, and the West Virginia regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
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 given once a company has proven that its treatment methods are more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also maintains certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A pest control company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up its practices and methods.
Pest control companies can also belong to professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help to prove 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
The number of years that a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with pests in your area. Customer reviews or the company's website itself can also help you figure out whether it has the skills and experience necessary to handle your specific pest problem. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, speaking with a representative is an easy way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the West Virginia licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is probably high on your list of priorities when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be influenced by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Companies will often offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a provider offers a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to picking a pest control provider, you want to choose one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer an eco-friendly provider.
Safety
All pesticides used by your company (except those that pose only a minimum risk) must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control expert should be able to supply information on all the pesticides that they plan to use. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions they plan to take.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some utilize a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest control management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Huntington
Not all pests are equally common in Huntington. Some species that you should keep an eye out for include the following:
- Snakes: Snakes prefer damp, cool, and dark places like basements and often come into a home looking for food. While most species of snakes are harmless, this is not a risk that you want your family or pets to take.
- Ants: Ants are common in basically all of West Virginia. Large carpenter ants can be even more of a problem than normal soil ants, as they can cause structural damage to your house.
- Beetles: There are a number of species of beetles around the country and in West Virginia. Many species are harmless, but some can feed on and do damage to things like your carpeting and the wooden structure of your house.
- Mice: If your home has a mouse infestation, you might notice droppings or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in places where food is kept or in attics.
- Spiders: These pests prefer dark and damp places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs can be very difficult to quash, so we recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout West Virginia, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
