How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things that you can consider when choosing the right pest control company for you. In addition to a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you may also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Finally, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
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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, must be licensed via the appropriate Illinois regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but providing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that could be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a pest control company must both demonstrate that its practices are more environmentally friendly and maintain certain technician training standards. Companies can obtain other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further support their work.
Pest control companies can also become members of certain professional organizations. 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. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to education, resources, and a network of pest professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
In general, a company displays information like specialities and years of experience on its website. Local reviews can also help you determine if a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you're unable to locate 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 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 see the status of a company's license.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is often a deciding factor 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 check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control company might be influenced by how environmentally-friendly a company's practices are, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
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Safety
You want to ensure that you understand the precautions around pesticides used around your house, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control technician should supply information about any pesticides they will be using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures they have in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) should be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to start with more environmentally friendly options before employing harsh pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
