How To Choose a Pest Control Company
It's important to choose the best pest control company for you. Important decision-making factors can include the company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course 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?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide application, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Georgia should be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations in order to support its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is granted when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. These companies also need to maintain certain employee training standards.
Pest control companies can also join various professional organizations. Holding membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps show that a company is reputable. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Typically, a company provides information like years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also help you determine if a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can speak with a company representative directly to get your questions answered.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can browse reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check its licensure status through the Georgia licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is often a deciding factor when picking a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you decide if it fits into your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment can affect which provider and treatment methods you choose.
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Safety
Your pest technician should use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides whenever possible. If any pesticides used don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect your family, your pets, and you. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies have begun using more natural treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some utilize a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether 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.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Atlanta
Some specific pests are seen more commonly in Atlanta, and these pests are the ones to keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Moths: If your house has moths, you may start finding holes in your linens or clothing. Moths do best in warmer weather (which makes them a particular problem in Atlanta) and are often found in dark places like closets.
- Mice: Some telltale signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are commonly found in attics or in areas where food is stored.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations are often very difficult to quash, so we strongly recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Georgia, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
Atlanta Pest Control FAQ
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Pests make their way into your home 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 attracted to food, either actual food left out or trash sitting out in the open. Others are searching for water, whether it be standing water on your property or puddles inside from things like leaky pipes.
One method for preventing pest infestations is to seal off potential entrances into your house. These include things like cracks in your foundation or siding. Also try to avoid leaving out food for pests. This means keeping food in sealed containers as well as not leaving trash out. Finally, get rid of standing water in and around your house. Find ways to reduce places where water can collect outside, and fix leaks inside.
You should consider hiring a pest control professional any time you identify signs of pest activity in your Atlanta home. This could include droppings, nests, pest damage, or even the pests themselves. If your home has seasonal or recurrent pest infestations, we recommend annual preventive pest management.
If pests get into your home, you may find yourself spending a good deal of time and money getting rid of them, as well as possibly recovering from illness or damages they cause. Preventive pest control can help stop this from happening in the first place.
It's common to feel as though you're seeing more pests in the days or weeks following pest control. The process tends to flush pests out of their hiding places, which makes them more visible; you may also start seeing more dead pests around your home. If the increase in pests sightings doesn't start to decrease after one to two weeks, contact your Atlanta pest professional. Further treatment may be required.
