How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When selecting a pest control company, there are several things that you can consider to make sure you choose the right one for you. A company's qualifications and treatment methods are important to consider, as are its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, you will also want to consider cost.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
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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 all pesticide applicators working in Arizona must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that could be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To receive this certification, a pest control company needs to both show that its practices are more environmentally friendly and maintain certain technician training standards. Companies can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further support their work.
Pest control companies can also become members of professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in state-level organizations in addition to national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Typically, a company provides information like specialities and years of experience on its website. Online reviews can also inform you as to whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can call the company directly to get the answers to your questions.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, read reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Arizona licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when looking for pest control services. Cost can be influenced by factors like the type of pest being treated, your location, and the size of your house.
You can take into consideration whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what sort of guarantees it provides. 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
When it comes to picking a pest control provider, you want to choose one that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer a provider that is environmentally-conscious.
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Safety
Ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what precautionary measures they are going to use. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider will be able to supply you with information about all chemicals they are going to use.
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Treatment Methods
You can ask if your technician will begin with lower-toxicity, more natural options before moving on to harsher chemicals.
Many companies are now using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to eliminate pests while reducing personal and environmental risks. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether 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 techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Gilbert
Not all pests are equally prevalent around Gilbert. Some species that you should be on the lookout for are these:
- Mosquitoes: In addition to being a nuisance, mosquito infestations can lead to itchy bites and possibly even put you and your family at risk of diseases. Mosquitoes are most common in wetter climates and in warmer months.
- Cockroaches: You can find cockroaches throughout Arizona, although they prefer wetter areas. Cockroaches get into your house through small cracks, and sometimes spread diseases like salmonella.
- Flies: You may notice flies around sinks or in places where food is kept. Flies can get into your house in Gilbert throughout the year, but they're particularly common in warmer weather.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations are often very hard to quash, so we strongly recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Arizona, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Mice: Common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice tend to frequent attics or areas where food is stored.
Gilbert Pest Control FAQ
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Pests come into your home looking for one of three things: food, water, or shelter. Some pests will opportunistically enter your home via a foundation crack or broken screen. Some are drawn by food, either actual food left out or trash sitting out in the open. Others are searching for water, either standing water on your property or puddles inside from leaky pipes.
One method for preventing pest infestations is to seal off possible entrances into your home. This includes things like cracks in your siding or foundation. Next, try to avoid leaving food out for pests. This means keeping food in sealed containers as well as not leaving trash out. Third, eliminate standing water in and around your home. Try to reduce places where water can collect outside, and repair leaks inside.
Typically, it's recommended that your house is treated for pests approximately once a year, more often if there is an active infestation. Your pest professional will ultimately be the one best equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
How long it takes pest control to work depends on the issue and treatment. For example, if a wasp nest is removed, the problem should be resolved immediately. In other cases, it might take anywhere from one to two days to up to six weeks to see significant results from pest control. Some pest problems may require your technician to make multiple trips to your home.
