How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When hiring a pest control expert, there are several factors you can consider to be sure that you're choosing the right one for you. You may take into consideration a company's qualifications, methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we dive into detail on each factor.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be licensed at the state level. The EPA sets minimum competency standards, and the Indiana regulatory agencies handle the granting, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for additional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to back up its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is given to any company that can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. Companies that receive this certification also need to maintain certain employee training standards.
There are various professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. Being a member of organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps verify a company's reputability. The NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Typically, a company displays information like years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also help you figure out if a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to locate the information you need online, you can speak with a company representative directly to get your questions answered.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, read reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Indiana licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should try to determine whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also take into account what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not resolved, or returns, will the company provide additional treatment until the issue is satisfactorily resolved?
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.
Safety
Make sure to ask your pest control expert if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what precautionary measures they are going to use. Any pesticides that are not minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician will be able to provide information about all chemicals they are going to use.
Treatment Methods
Companies looking to reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides often implement procedures such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Noblesville
Some specific pests are seen more commonly in Noblesville, and these pests are the ones to keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Bees: Your local pest control professional can help get rid of bees around your house (and some companies even are able to safely relocate hives). You may be particularly keen to have bees' nests removed if someone in your household has an allergy.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches can be found in many parts of Indiana, although they prefer wetter areas. Cockroaches enter your home through small cracks, and sometimes bring in diseases like salmonella.
- Moths: If you're dealing with a moth infestation, you might start finding holes in your clothing or linens. Moths do best in warmer weather and are often found in dark places like closets.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you may start noticing droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is stored.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your attic or other moist, dark places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your house.
