How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, you want to be sure to find the best one for you. Along with a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you might also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Finally, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
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 those that supervise them need to be licensed at the state level. The EPA maintains minimum standards of competency, and the Wisconsin regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help show that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. For this certification, a company must show that its methods are more eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Other various certifications can be obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
A pest control company 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. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at how long a company has been in business can help determine how much experience it has dealing with common pests in Madison. You can also browse its website or peruse customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the type of pests you are dealing with. If this information is not available online, speaking with a company representative is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the Wisconsin licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should verify whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatment until the problem is satisfactorily handled?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control provider, and you might prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally friendly pest control management.
Safety
Your pest technician should be using pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic any time they can. If any pesticides they intend to use don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they will put in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Pest professionals 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 required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.
