How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When hiring a pest control company, you want to be sure to find the best one for you. Some things you may consider include qualifications and licensing, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, need to be licensed via the appropriate Wisconsin regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while providing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can obtain optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. While not required, they can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification indicates comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for people and the environment.
Pest control companies can also obtain membership in professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help demonstrate a company's reputability. In the NPMA and other organizations, pest control companies have access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a company's level of experience by seeing how long it has been in business. Local reviews and the company's own website can also inform you whether a certain company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can always contact a representative directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media or local review sites. You can also check with Wisconsin's licensing board to see the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when looking for pest control. Cost can be influenced by factors like the size of your house, your location, and the type of pest being treated.
You can consider whether a certain company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits your budget), and what kind of guarantees are provided. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control provider might be influenced by how eco-friendly a company's pest control management solutionsare, in addition to how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
It's important to understand the precautions around pesticides used around your home, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control expert should be able to supply information about all pesticides they will be using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be used. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) need to be registered with the EPA.
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 the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other techniques for effective long-term pest control management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control solutions as needed.
