How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step in the pest control process is hiring the right company for you. You may consider a company's qualifications and treatment methods, as well as its customer reviews and years of experience. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
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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) has established minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Nevada should be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are more environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer additional certifications. While not required, these can help show that a pest control company is reputable.
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 grants a pest control company access to education and resources, plus a professional network to compare best practices with. Joining organizations like these is not mandatory, but it can help indicate that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what kind of pests it specializes in exterminating. Local reviews can also provide some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If this information isn't available online, you can try reaching out to the company directly.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can look for reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check the status of its license through the Nevada licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
It's important to think about cost when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be affected influenced by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment can influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
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Safety
Your pest technician should use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides any time they can. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect you, your family, and your pets. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Companies looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often follow practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Reno
You might encounter some pests more often in Reno. Some to keep an eye out for include these:
- Bees: Having bees around your home can be a nuisance, particularly if someone in your household has an allergy. Your local pest control company can help get rid of bees; some might even be able to help safely relocate hives.
- Beetles: Across the country and in Reno, there are a diverse array of beetles that could cause problems. While many beetles are harmless, others can do damage by eating carpeting, wood, and more.
- Mosquitoes: A mosquito infestation is more likely if you live in a wetter area. They're also more common during the warmer months. Mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance--they can cause itchy bites and even carry diseases.
- Mice: Common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are often found in attics or in areas where food is kept.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Nevada and can cause big problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations can be hard to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest furniture, bedsheets, wallpaper, and more.
Reno Pest Control FAQ
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Pest infestations happen when pests enter your home looking for something, typically food, water, or shelter. Pests might seek out and eat food or trash that is sitting out. Some may also be drawn to standing water outside (from rain collecting in one spot) or inside (from leaky pipes). They might also enter your house looking for shelter. They can get in through places such as foundation cracks or broken screens.
There are certain things you can do to help prevent pest infestations. First, don't leave food out. Make sure food is stored in sealed containers, and don't leave trash sitting around.
Next, try not to have standing water in or around your house. Repair leaks indoors and eliminate standing water sites outside. Lastly, seal off potential pest entrances into your house, including foundation and siding cracks.
It is generally recommended that you hire a pest control technician about once annually. If your home has an active infestation, you will need to hire a pest control professional more frequently. Ultimately, your pest professional is the person best-equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
Preventive pest control is important to help stop pest problems before they start. Your local pest control technician understand the behaviors of pests in your part of Reno, including how they make their way into your home and the times of the year during which they are most active.Your technician can make changes and implement barriers to keep pests out of your home, saving you time and money that might otherwise go towards future pest control visits--or towards the damage and illness caused by pests.
