How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, you want to be sure to find the best one to meet your needs. In addition to a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
-
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) must be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in Michigan must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
-
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that could be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To get this certification, a pest control company needs to both demonstrate that its practices are more environmentally friendly and uphold certain technician training standards. Companies can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up their work.
Pest control companies can also become members of various professional organizations. Becoming a member of an organization like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or a state-level organization gives companies access to education and resources, plus a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices. Belonging to organizations like these is not mandatory, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Generally, a company will list information like its years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also tell you whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can contact a company representative directly to get the answers to your questions.
-
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 find out what others in your area have to say, or verify its license standing through the Michigan licensing board.
-
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration 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.
Certain pest control companies 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 satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when selecting a pest control provider. You might also prefer one that employs environmentally-friendly practices.
-
Safety
All pesticides (except those that pose only a minimum risk) need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should be able to provide information on all the pesticides that they will be using. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be in place.
-
Treatment Methods
Companies often begin 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 assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Detroit
Some specific pests are seen more commonly in Detroit, and these are the ones to keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Flies: Flies can be a nuisance in your Detroit home year-round, but they may be especially common during the warmer months. You might find flies around sinks or in areas where food is kept.
- Moths: If you've been noticing holes in your clothing or linens, it's possible that you have moths in your house. Moths are often found in dark places like closets, and are more commonly found in warmer places.
- Termites: If a termite infestation is left untreated, they could cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Often, termites enter your home via nearby piles of firewood, mulch, or rotting wood.
- Mice: Some common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in places where you keep food.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your basement, attic, or other dark, damp places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your house.
Detroit Pest Control FAQ
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
Pests come into your house looking for one of three things: food, water, or shelter. Some pests will opportunistically enter your home through a foundation crack or broken screen. Some are attracted to food, either actual food sitting out or trash left 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.
There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent pest infestations. First, avoid leaving food out. Make sure food is stored in sealed containers, and avoid leaving trash sitting around.
Next, try not to have standing water in or around your house. Repair leaks inside and eliminate places where standing water collects outside. Lastly, seal off any potential pest entrances into your house, including foundation and siding cracks.
Generally, it's recommended that your house is treated for pests approximately once a year, more often if you have an active infestation. Your pest professional will ultimately be the best person to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
Typically, it's a good idea to keep pets away from treated areas during and for some time following application. Some pest control chemicals are non-toxic or have low toxicity, but generally they should not be ingested by pets. Your pest control technician will tell you how far to keep pets away from treated areas, and for how long.
