How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several factors you can consider when selecting the right pest control company for you. You might consider a company's qualifications, methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we explore the details of each factor.
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Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensing is overseen at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Nevada need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can obtain optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to verify its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is given when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. Companies that receive this certification also need to maintain certain training standards for employees.
A pest control company can also be a member of various professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in both state-level organizations and national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). By being a member of these optional organizations, a company helps support its reputability and gains access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Generally, a company displays information like specialities and years of experience on its website. Online reviews can also inform you as to whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get your questions answered.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can look at a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read social media and local review sites to see what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the Nevada licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when picking a pest control company. Cost may be determined by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, 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 guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when deciding on a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally-friendly methods.
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Safety
Your pest technician should use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides whenever possible. If any pesticides used don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they plan to use to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must 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 in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some follow a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Henderson
You might run into some pests more frequently in Henderson. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches can be found throughout Nevada, although they prefer wetter areas. Cockroaches enter your home through small cracks, and they can sometimes carry diseases like salmonella.
- Mice: If you have mice, you might notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in attics or in places where food is kept.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your attic or other damp, dark places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your house.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs can be very difficult to quash, so we strongly recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Nevada, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
Henderson Pest Control FAQ
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Pests enter your home looking for one of three things: food, water, or shelter. Some pests will opportunistically enter your home through a broken screen or foundation crack. Some are attracted to food, either actual food sitting out or trash left out in the open. Others are searching for water, either standing water outside or puddles inside from leaky pipes.
One thing you can do to prevent pest infestations is seal off potential entrances into your home. This includes things like cracks in your foundation or siding. Second, avoid leaving out food for pests. This means keeping food in sealed containers and not leaving trash out. Finally, reduce standing water in and around your home. Work to reduce places where water can collect outside, and fix leaks inside.
Generally, it's recommended that you get your home treated for pests about once annually, more often if you have an active infestation. Your pest professional will ultimately be the best person to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
Most pesticides last approximately 30 to 90 days after application. If there is rain, chemicals applied outside may wash away sooner than those applied inside. Some other things that can affect how long pesticide application lasts include the extent of the pest problem, what specific pests are present, the chemicals used, and the application method.
Make sure to ask your pest professional if they need you to clean around your house. This can help them find, identify, and treat all pests present. However, some technicians may want to see your house as-is.
If you are asked to clean, clear paper goods and trash out of affected areas, as some pests like to hide in these items. Also be sure that food is stored away so that it does not get contaminated by pesticides. You may want to also remove any plants in the area to avoid contamination with chemicals. Lastly, if necessary, block off areas that you anticipate will be treated so that pets and children do not enter until it is safe. If you require a more intensive process like fumigation, make sure you closely follow your pest professional's instructions.
