How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, there are a number of things you can consider to make sure you choose the right one for you. Important decision-making factors include the company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
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 New Mexico regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but providing, maintaining, and revoking licensing is handled at the state level.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help show that a pest control company is reputable. One of these is the GreenPro Service Certification. To obtain this certification, a company must show that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Additional certifications can be obtained through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also join 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 professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
A company's years in business can indicate how much experience it has dealing with pests in your area. You can also browse its website or look through customer reviews to determine whether it has adequate experience with the type of pests you are struggling with. If this information can't be found online, speaking with a company representative is a great way to learn more.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the New Mexico licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is probably high on your list of priorities when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be affected influenced by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Companies will often 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 choice of pest control provider might be affected by how environmentally-friendly a company's practices are, as well as how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
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Safety
You can ask your pest control provider if they will be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides--if not, ask what precautionary measures will be in place. Any pesticide that presents above a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should provide information about all of the pesticides that will be used in your home, as well as how safe they are around people and pets.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies have started making the switch to using more natural treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some utilize a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque, certain pests are more common than others. This list of pests includes the following:
- Bees: Bees around your home can be a nuisance, particularly if someone in your household is allergic. Your local pest control company can help eliminate bees, and some may even be able to help safely relocate hives.
- Snakes: Snakes prefer dark, damp, and cool spots like basements and will often enter a home in search of food. While most species of snakes are harmless, this is not a risk that you want your family or pets to take.
- Mosquitoes: On top of being annoying, mosquito infestations can result in itchy bites and even put you and your family at risk of diseases. Mosquitoes thrive in wetter climates and at warmer times of the year.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might notice droppings or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in attics or in places where food is stored.
- Spiders: These pests prefer dark and damp places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout New Mexico and can cause big problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are difficult to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest bedsheets, furniture, wallpaper, and more.
Albuquerque Pest Control FAQ
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Pest infestations occur when pests come into your home looking for something, usually food, water, or shelter. Pests may come looking for food or trash left sitting out. Some might also be drawn by standing water collecting outside (from rain collecting in a particular area) or inside (from leaky pipes). Pests may also enter your house simply looking for shelter. They can get in through places like foundation cracks or broken screens.
There are several steps you can take to help prevent pest infestations. First, don't leave food out. Keep your food stored in sealed containers, and don't leave trash sitting around.
Next, try not to have standing water in or around your home. Fix leaks inside and eliminate standing water sites outside. Finally, seal off potential pest entrances into your home, including siding or foundation cracks.
You should consider hiring an exterminator any time you notice signs of pest activity in your Albuquerque home. You might see droppings, nests, damage caused by pests, or even the pests themselves. If you get seasonal or recurrent pest infestations, we recommend setting up yearly preventive pest management.
How soon you notice pest control results will depend on the issue and treatment. If your pest control technician takes measures like removing a wasp nest, you will see the results almost immediately. For most pest control, however, you will likely need to wait anywhere from a few days to up to six weeks to see significant results. Some pest issues might require your pest professional to make multiple visits to your house.
Most pesticides last around 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 what chemicals are used, the method of applying them, what pests are being targeted, and the extent of your pest problem.
