How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control company, there are several factors you can consider to be sure that you're choosing the best one for you. Along with a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Finally, you'll likely want to consider the cost of services.
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?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, need to be licensed via the appropriate Florida regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while issuing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can earn the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer additional certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also become members of professional organizations. Pest control companies can join both state-level organizations and national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). By being a member of these optional organizations, a company helps support its reputability and gains access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Typically, a company displays information like years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also inform you as to whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get the answers to your questions.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local review sites or social media. You can also check with Florida's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to picking a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer a provider that is environmentally-conscious.
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Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to explain the safety precautions of the 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 your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies have started offering options for more environmentally friendly pest control techniques before employing harsh pesticides.
One common way of making pest control safer and greener is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Orlando
Not all pests are equally prevalent around Orlando. Some species that you should keep an eye out for are these:
- Snakes: Snakes prefer damp, dark, and cool areas and often enter a home in search of food. While most species of snakes are harmless, this is not a risk that you and your family want to take.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Florida, and they can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations can be tricky to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest wallpaper, furniture, bedsheets, and more.
- Mice: Some common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are commonly found in attics or in places where food is stored.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer moist, dark places and are often found in attics.
Orlando Pest Control FAQ
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Pests come into 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, through a foundation crack or broken screen. Some are drawn by food, either actual food left out or trash sitting out in the open. Others are searching for water, whether it be standing water outside or puddles inside from leaky pipes.
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent pest infestations. First, don't leave food out. Make sure food is stored in sealed containers, and don't leave trash sitting around.
Second, avoid having standing water in or around your house. Fix leaks indoors and eliminate places where standing water collects outdoors. Finally, seal off possible pest entrances into your house, including siding or foundation cracks.
Generally 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 best-equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
Most pesticides last about 30 to 90 days after application. Chemicals applied outdoors may not last as long as those applied indoors due to precipitation. Some other things that can affect how long pesticide application lasts include what chemicals are used, the method of applying them, what pests are present, and the extent of your pest problem.
Whether you can clean your home after pest control services will change depending on what treatments are used. Be sure to ask your pest control technician before they leave. Generally, you will be able to dust, vacuum, and wipe down certain surfaces, although you should be careful not to wipe away chemical barriers or touch any traps unless you have been explicitly told to do so. You may notice a lingering smell following the application of some pesticides.
Following pest treatment, it is important to continue to keep your home clean to avoid encouraging pests to return.
