How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control company for you is important. Factors you might consider include qualifications and licensing, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
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Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensure is regulated at the state level. All pesticide applicators and supervisors in California need to be licensed through the proper 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. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer other certifications. While not required, these can help show that a company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also join certain professional organizations. Being a member of organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps show that a company is reputable. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
For the most part, a company displays 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 particular pest in your area. If you're unable to locate 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 read reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check the status of its license through the California licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should verify whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account a company's guarantees: If the problem is not fixed, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatments until the issue is satisfactorily resolved?
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
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Safety
All pesticides (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should provide you with information on each pesticide they will be using. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
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Treatment Methods
Companies looking to reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- 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 if needed, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Anaheim
In Anaheim, certain pests are more common than others. This list includes the following:
- Snakes: Snakes often enter homes in search of food, and once inside they tend to prefer dark, damp, and cool spots. While most species of snakes are harmless, you and your family should not take that risk.
- Flies: You might find flies around sinks or in areas where food is kept. Flies might get into your house in Anaheim throughout the year, but they're even more common when the weather gets warmer.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your attic or other damp, dark places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your home.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very difficult to eliminate, so we strongly recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout California, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
Anaheim 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 enter your home simply because they have the opportunity to do so, through a foundation crack or broken screen. Some are attracted to food, either actual food left out or trash sitting out in the open. Others look for water, whether it be standing water on your property or puddles inside from things like leaky pipes.
One thing you can do to prevent pest infestations is seal off potential entrances into your home. This includes things like cracks in your foundation or siding. Also try to avoid leaving food out for pests. This includes keeping food in sealed containers and not leaving trash out. Third, reduce standing water in and around your home. Find ways to reduce places where water collects outside, and repair leaks inside.
You should consider hiring a pest control professional any time you see signs of pests in your Anaheim home. These signs can include droppings, nests, pest damage, or even the pests themselves. If your home has recurrent or seasonal pest infestations, we recommend setting up annual preventive pest management.
It's recommended that you ask your pest professional if they need you to clean around your home. This can help ensure they can find, identify, and treat all pests present. However, some providers may want to see your home as-is.
If you are asked to clean, make sure paper goods and trash are cleared out of affected areas, as some pests like to hide in these items. Also be sure to store any food away so that it does not become contaminated with pesticides. Remove any plants in the area to avoid contamination with chemicals. Finally, if necessary, block off expected treatment areas so that children and pets stay away until it is safe. If a more intensive process like fumigation is required, be sure to closely follow the instructions of your pest professional.
