How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the right pest control treatmentfor you. You might consider a company's qualifications and treatment methods as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
Below, we dive into detail on 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 licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in California need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. These certifications can help you evaluate 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 professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help show a company's reputability. In the NPMA and other organizations, pest control companies have access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a pest control company has been in business can shed some light on its experience dealing with various pests. Online reviews or the company's own website can also help you figure out whether it has the experience needed to deal with your particular pests. If you cannot find the answers to your questions online, calling a representative is an excellent way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can read reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check its licensure status through the California licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be influenced by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Companies will often offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a provider offers a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control provider might be affected by how eco- friendly a company's pest control servicesare, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
It's important to understand the precautions around pesticides used in your home, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control technician should be capable of providing information about all pesticides they will be using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your pest control provider will start with lower-toxicity and more eco-friendly treatment methods before moving on to harsher chemicals.
Many companies now use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce personal or environmental risk when treating pest infestations. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
