How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several things you can consider when selecting the right pest control company for you. You might consider a company's qualifications, methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and price of services.
Below, we discuss each factor 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 competency standards for pesticide applicators, licensing is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in Illinois should be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help prove that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Other various certifications can be earned through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also belong to various professional organizations. Membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to education and resources, and a professional network to compare best practices with. Membership in one of these organizations is not required, but it can help show that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what type of pests it specializes in exterminating. Online reviews can also provide some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If you can't find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using local review sites or social media as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with Illinois' licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when picking a company for pest control services. Cost can be determined by factors like your location, the type of pest being treated, and the size of your house.
You can look into whether a particular company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what sort of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment might influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
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Safety
All pesticides that will be used (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should be able to provide information on every pesticide they are using. They should be able to tell you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies are using options for more environmentally friendly pest control techniques before jumping into using harsh pesticides.
One common method for making pest control safer and greener is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine 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 absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.