How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things that you can take into consideration when choosing the right pest control company for you. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you also want to think about cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
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Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those that supervise them) are required to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Nevada must be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Obtaining additional optional certifications can help prove that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. To earn this certification, a company must show that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Other various certifications can be earned through trade organizations like QualityPro.
Pest control companies can also join various professional organizations. When a company obtains membership in an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gets access to education, resources, and a network of other pest professionals with whom to compare methods. This can give you added peace of mind that a company is following industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
A company's years in business can indicate how much experience it has taking care of pests in your area. You can also explore its website or look through customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the species of pests you are struggling with. If you cannot find this information online, getting in touch with a company representative is a great way to learn more.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), browse reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Nevada licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors can all affect the price of pest control.
You can look into whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), as well as what kind of guarantees it offers. Often, a company will provide a guarantee that if it does not solve your pest problem, it will keep coming back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when choosing a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that uses environmentally friendly methods.
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Safety
All pesticides that will be used (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should be able to supply information on each pesticide they will be using. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions they plan to take.
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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 utilize a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.