How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the best company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. Important factors include the company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
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?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors need to be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all Colorado pesticide applicators should be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can obtain optional certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. These certifications can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification recognizes comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for humans and the environment.
There are certain professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. While not required, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a company's level of experience by finding out how many years it has been in operation. Local reviews and the company's own website can also let you know whether a certain company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can always contact the company directly to learn this information if it is not available online.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out social media and local review sites to find out what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the Colorado licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors can all influence the price of pest control.
You can find out whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), as well as what type of guarantees it has. Often, a company will provide a guarantee that if it does not eliminate your pest problem, it will keep coming back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to picking 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
Ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, ask about what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that poses greater than minimum risk should be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should supply information about all of the pesticides that will be used in your home, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies are now exploring greener and cleaner pest solutions that can be used before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- 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 controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Colorado Springs
Not all pests are equally common around Colorado Springs. Some species that you should be wary of include the following:
- Moths: If you are finding holes in your clothing or linens, you may have moths in your house. Moths like dark places like closets, and they're more common in warmer places.
- Termites: Termites can often enter your home from nearby piles of firewood, rotting wood, or mulch. If left untreated, they can do a substantial amount of damage and necessitate hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Flies: Flies can be a nuisance in your Colorado Springs home year-round, but they tend to be more common during the warmer months. You might find flies around sinks or in areas where food is kept.
- Mice: Some telltale signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in places where food is stored.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp areas. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want an infestation of them in your house.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs can be very difficult to eliminate, so we recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Colorado, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
Colorado Springs Pest Control FAQ
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Pest infestations occur when pests enter your house looking for something, generally food, water, or shelter. Pests might seek out and eat food or trash that is left out. Some might also be drawn to standing water outside (from rain collecting in one area) or inside (from leaky pipes). They might also come into your house simply looking for shelter and get in through weak spots such as broken screens or foundation cracks.
There are certain steps you can take to help prevent pest infestations. First, don't leave food out. Keep your food stored in sealed containers, and don't leave trash sitting around.
Second, avoid having standing water in or around your house. Repair leaks inside and eliminate standing water sites outdoors. Finally, seal off possible pest entrances into your house, including foundation and siding cracks.
You should consider hiring an exterminator any time you see signs of pests in your Colorado Springs home. This could include droppings, nests, damage, or even the pests themselves. If you've had seasonal or recurrent pest infestations, we recommend yearly preventive pest management.
It's recommended that you ask your pest technician if they want you to clean around your house. This can help ensure they can find, identify, and treat all pests present. However, some technicians may want to see your house as-is.
If you are asked to clean, focus on getting paper goods and trash out of affected areas, as some pests like to hide in these items. 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 chemical contamination. Finally, if necessary, block off anticipated treatment areas so that pets and children do not enter until it is safe. If a more intensive process like fumigation is required, be sure to closely follow your pest professional's instructions.
