How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. You may consider a company's qualifications and treatment methods, as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. And of course, there's the cost of services to consider.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
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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) must 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 Arizona should be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer additional certifications. These are not required, but can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable.
There are certain professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. Companies can belong to 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
You can gain some insight into a company's experience level by looking into how many years it has been in operation. The company's website and local reviews can also clue you in as to whether the company has the experience needed to deal 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.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can browse reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, verify a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the Arizona licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is probably high on your list of priorities when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be affected influenced by the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, to help you determine 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
Safety is an important consideration when deciding on a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally-friendly methods.
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Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what precautionary measures they plan to take. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals should be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to supply you with information about all pesticides they plan on using.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies have begun using more natural 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 determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Mesa
Not all pests are equally prevalent around Mesa. Some species that you should be on the lookout for include the following:
- Termites: If a termite infestation is left untreated, the result could be hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Often, termites enter your home via nearby piles of rotting wood, mulch, or firewood.
- Moths: If your house has moths, you might start finding holes in your clothing or linens. Moths thrive in warmer weather (which makes them a particular problem in Mesa) and are often found in dark places like closets.
- Snakes: Snakes prefer dark, damp, and cool areas and will often enter a home looking for food. Most species of snakes are harmless, but this is not a risk that you and your family want to take.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you may notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in places where food is stored, or in attics.
- Spiders: These pests prefer moist, dark places and are often found in attics.
Mesa Pest Control FAQ
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Pests make their way into your home looking for one of three things: food, water, or shelter. Some pests will opportunistically enter your home through a broken screen or foundation crack. Some are attracted to 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 house. These include things like cracks in your siding or foundation. Second, avoid leaving food out for pests. This means keeping food in sealed containers and not leaving trash out. Third, get rid of standing water in and around your house. Work to reduce places where water collects outside, and fix leaks inside.
It is typically recommended that you hire a pest control technician about once a year. If your home has an active infestation, you will need pest control to come out more often. Ultimately, your pest professional is the person who is best-equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
It's not unusual to feel like you're seeing more pests in the days or weeks following pest control treatment. The process tends to flush pests from their hiding spaces, thereby making them more visible; you might also start seeing more dead pests around your home. If this uptick in pests sightings doesn't begin to decrease after one to two weeks, contact your Mesa pest professional, as another treatment may be necessary.
