How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. 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 will also want to consider cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) are required to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Texas should be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are eco-friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer other certifications. These are not required, but can help show that a company is reputable.
There are several professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. Membership in the NPMA provides companies with access to resources, education, and a network of other pest professionals. While not required, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a company has been in business can give you some insight into 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 needed to handle your specific pest problem. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, speaking with a representative is a great way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check the status of its license through the Texas licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be affected by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates as part of their process, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a company offers a satisfaction guarantees, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment may affect the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control expert if they plan on using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides—if not, ask what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that has been deemed above minimum risk should be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should provide information about all of the pesticides used, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Many companies will start with more eco-friendly treatment options before using harsh pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
