How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and reputation in customer reviews. Of course, you also want to consider 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?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensure is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Illinois need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. While not required, they can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification recognizes comprehensive and effective pest control methods that are safer for humans and the environment.
Pest control companies can also belong to various professional organizations. When a company becomes a member of an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gets access to education, resources, and a network of other pest professionals with whom to compare treatment methods. This can offer extra peace of mind that a company is following 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 explore its website or read customer reviews to determine whether it has adequate experience with the species of pests you are looking to get rid of. If this information can't be found online, calling the company directly is a great way to learn more.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out social media and local review sites to hear what others in your area have to say, or verify its license standing via the Illinois licensing board.
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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.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when picking a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that employs environmentally friendly practices.
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Safety
Your pest control provider should be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides any time they can. If any pesticides used don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they will put in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. All pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies are making the switch to using more natural treatment methods before (or instead of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some employ a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.