How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the best company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. You might take into consideration a company's qualifications and treatment methods, in addition to 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?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is overseen 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?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other certifications can be earned through trade organizations like QualityPro.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various professional organizations. Membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization grants a pest control company access to resources and education, as well as a professional network to compare best practices with. Joining organizations like these is not mandatory, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a company's experience level by finding out how long it has been in business. The company's website and local reviews can also let you know whether the company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always reach out to 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 social media or local review sites, view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the California licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
It's important to think about cost when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be affected influenced by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates at the beginning 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
When it comes to picking a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
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Safety
Your pest technician should be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides any time they can. If any pesticides used don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies have started making the switch to using more natural treatment methods before (or in place 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 assess whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Chula Vista
In Chula Vista, certain pests are more common than others. This list includes the following:
- Termites: If termites get out of hand, the result could be hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Termites often get into your house via nearby piles of rotting wood, firewood, or mulch.
- Flies: You might see flies around sinks or in places where food is kept. Flies can get into your house in Chula Vista throughout the year, but they're particularly common when the weather gets warmer.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout California and can lead to big problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are often difficult to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest bedsheets, furniture, wallpaper, and more.
- Mice: If you have mice, you might start noticing droppings or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in places where food is stored, or in attics.
- Spiders: These pests prefer dark and damp places and are commonly found in attics.
Chula Vista Pest Control FAQ
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Pests enter your house 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, 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 look for water, whether it be standing water outside or puddles inside from things like leaky pipes.
One method for preventing pest infestations is to seal off potential entrances into your home. These include things like cracks in your siding or foundation. Second, avoid leaving out food for pests. This includes keeping food in sealed containers and not leaving trash out. Finally, eliminate standing water in and around your home. Work to reduce places where water can collect outside, and repair leaks inside.
Generally it's recommended that you hire a pest control technician about once a year. If your home has an active infestation, you will need to hire a pest control professional more frequently. Ultimately, your pest professional is the person who is best-equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
It's recommended that you ask your pest technician if they need you to clean around your home. This can help them find, identify, and treat all pests present. However, some technicians 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 these are common places for pests to hide. Also be sure to put all food away so that it does not become contaminated with pesticides. Remove any plants in the area to avoid contamination with chemicals. Lastly, if needed, block off expected treatment areas so that children and pets stay away until it is safe. If you require a more intensive process like fumigation, be sure to closely follow the instructions of your pest professional.
