How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is picking the best pest control professional for the job. 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 explore the details of each of these factors.
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Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, should be licensed via the appropriate Nevada regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while issuing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that might be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. In order to get this certification, a pest control company must both demonstrate that its practices are more environmentally friendly and uphold certain technician training standards. Companies can also obtain other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up their work.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. A pest control company can join both state-level organizations and national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
The amount of time that a company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with the pests that live in Las Vegas. Online reviews or the company's own website can also inform you whether it has the experience necessary to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If you can't find the information you need online, calling a representative is an easy way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Nevada licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be affected influenced by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates at the beginning of their process, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment might influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
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Safety
It's important to understand the precautions around pesticides used around your house, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control technician should be able to supply information about all pesticides they intend to use, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be used. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) must be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Organizations looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often follow practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem 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 if needed, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Las Vegas
Some pests are more common in Las Vegas, and these are the ones you should keep watch for. Some of these include the following:
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches can be found throughout Nevada, although they prefer wetter areas. Cockroaches get into your house through small cracks, and some can bring in diseases like salmonella.
- Flies: You may see flies around sinks or in places where you keep food. Flies can get into your house in Las Vegas throughout the year, but they're especially common in warmer weather.
- Beetles: There are a number of species of beetles around the country and in Nevada. Many types are harmless, but some may feed on and do damage to things like your carpeting and the wooden structure of your home.
- Mice: Some common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are commonly found in attics or in areas where food is stored.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your attic or other damp, dark places. Even though most species of spider are harmless to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your home.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very difficult to eliminate, so we strongly recommend calling a local exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Nevada, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
Las Vegas Pest Control FAQ
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Pests come into your home 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 drawn by food, either actual food sitting out or trash left out in the open. Others are searching for water, either standing water on your property or puddles inside from things like leaky pipes.
One method for preventing pest infestations is to seal off possible entrances into your home. These include things like cracks in your siding or foundation. Second, avoid leaving out food for pests. This includes keeping food in sealed containers as well as not leaving trash out. Finally, eliminate standing water in and around your home. Work to reduce places where water can collect outside, and repair leaks inside.
In general, it's recommended that you have your house treated for pests approximately once a year, more frequently if you have an active infestation. Your pest control professional will ultimately be the best person to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
The majority of pesticides last about 30 to 90 days after application. If there is rain, chemicals applied outside may wash away sooner than those applied inside. Other factors that affect how long pesticide application lasts include what chemicals are used, the method of applying them, what pests are present, and the extent of your pest problem.
