How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step in the pest control process is hiring the right company for you. A company's qualifications and treatment methods are important to consider, as are its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you also want to think about cost.
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?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be licensed at the state level. The EPA sets minimum competency standards, and the Colorado regulatory agencies handle the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies also have the option to obtain additional certifications like the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has shown its methods to be more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further verify its methods and practices.
There are various professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. When a company obtains membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gains access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control experts with whom to compare treatment methods. This can give you extra peace of mind that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has handling various pests. You can also browse its website or look through customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the species of pests you are struggling with. If this information is not available online, speaking with a company representative is a great way to learn more.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Colorado licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when choosing a pest control provider. You might also prefer one that uses environmentally-friendly methods.
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Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to discuss the safety of any and all pesticides they plan to use. They should be able to explain whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose above a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Pest professionals looking to reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Denver
You might deal with some pests more often in Denver. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Beetles: In Denver and around the country, there are a number of species of beetles that could create problems. Many beetles are harmless, but others can cause damage to your home by eating carpeting, wood, and more.
- Termites: Termites often come into your house from nearby piles of firewood, mulch, or rotting wood. If not stopped, they can cause a substantial amount of damage and necessitate hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other moist, dark areas. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your house.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout Colorado, and they can lead to big problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often difficult to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest bedsheets, wallpaper, furniture, and more.
- Mice: Some common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice are often found in attics or in places where food is kept.
Denver Pest Control FAQ
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Pest infestations happen when pests come into your house looking for something, generally food, water, or shelter. Pests might come looking for food or trash that is sitting out. Some could also be drawn by standing water collecting outside (from rain collecting in one area) or inside (from leaky pipes). They might also enter your home simply looking for shelter and get in through places like foundation cracks or broken screens.
There are certain things you can do to help prevent pest infestations. First, avoid leaving food out. Keep your food stored in sealed containers, and avoid leaving trash sitting around.
Next, avoid having standing water in or around your house. Repair leaks indoors and eliminate places where standing water collects outdoors. Finally, seal off potential pest entrances into your house, including foundation and siding cracks.
Normally it's recommended that you hire a pest control technician about once a year. If you have an active infestation, you will need pest control to come out more frequently. Ultimately, your pest professional will be the person who is best-equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
It's recommended that you ask your pest professional if they want you to clean around your house. This can help them find, identify, and treat all pests present. However, some providers may want to see your house as-is.
If you are asked to clean, clear paper goods and trash out of affected areas, as these are common places for pests to hide. Also be sure that food is stored away so that it does not get contaminated by pesticides. Remove any plants in the area to avoid chemical contamination. Lastly, if needed, block off areas that you expect will be treated so that pets and children do not enter until it is safe. If you require a more intensive process like fumigation, be sure to closely follow the instructions of your pest professional.
