How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control solution for you is key. You might consider a company's qualifications and methods of treatment in addition to its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensing is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators and supervisors in Wisconsin must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. These are not required, but can help you assess 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 belong to certain professional organizations. Membership in an organization such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to resources and education, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Joining organizations like these is not required, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a pest control 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 the company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always contact a representative directly to learn this information if it is not available online.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using local review sites or social media as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with Wisconsin's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors can all influence the price of pest control.
You can look into whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), as well as what kind of guarantees it has. Often, a company will guarantee that if it does not solve your pest problem, it will keep coming back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment may influence which provider and treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what kind of precautionary measures they plan to take. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician will be able to supply information about all of the pesticides they are going to use.
Treatment Methods
Many companies have begun using more natural and greener treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some use a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and 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 controls for effective long-term pest control management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control treatment methods as needed.
Common Household Pests in Sheboygan
Some specific pests are more common in Sheboygan, and these are the ones to keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Ants: Whether they are smaller soil ants or larger carpenter ants, these bugs can be found in most parts of Wisconsin. Carpenter ants can pose a bigger problem than their smaller counterparts because they can do damage to your home.
- Moths: If you're finding holes in your linens or clothing, there's a chance that you have moths in your house. Moths are often found in dark places like closets, and they're more common in warmer places.
- Termites: Termites frequently get into your house from nearby piles of mulch, rotting wood, or firewood. If left uncontrolled, they can cause a significant amount of damage and cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in places where food is stored or in attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout Wisconsin and can cause serious problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest wallpaper, bedsheets, furniture, and more.
