How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When selecting a pest control company, there are several factors that you can consider to make sure that you're choosing the right one for you. Factors you might consider include licensing and qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
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 regulated at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Michigan must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To get this certification, a pest control company needs to both show that its practices are more environmentally friendly and maintain certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further support their work.
A pest control company can also obtain membership in professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership provides companies with access to education, resources, and a network of other pest professionals. While not required, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has taking care of various pests in Warren. You can also explore its website or peruse customer reviews to figure out whether it has experience eliminating the type of pests you are looking to get rid of. If this information is not available online, speaking with a company representative is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check the status of its license through the Michigan licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be influenced by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a company offers a satisfaction guarantees, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control company might be affected by how environmentally friendly a provider's pest control servicesare, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
Ask your pest control provider if they plan on using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides—if not, ask about what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that poses greater than minimum risk should be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should provide information about all pesticides to be used, and how safe they are around people and pets.
Treatment Methods
Organizations 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 required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
