How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is selecting the right pest control professional for the job. Some things you may consider include licensing and qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
-
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be licensed at the state level. The EPA maintains minimum standards of competency, and the New York regulatory agencies handle the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
-
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. While not required, they can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification is given to companies that use comprehensive and effective pest control methods that are safer for humans and the environment.
There are several professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. When a company becomes a member of an organization like the National Pest Management Association(NPMA) (or a state-level organization), it gets access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control professionals with whom to compare treatment methods. This can offer additional peace of mind that a company follows industry best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has handling various pests. You can also look at its website or read customer reviews to determine whether it has adequate experience with the species of pests you are struggling with. If this information can't be found online, contacting a representative directly is a great way to learn more.
-
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local review sites or social media. You can also check with New York's licensing board to see the status of a company's license.
-
Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should verify whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not resolved, or returns, does the company provide additional treatment until the issue is satisfactorily resolved?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment may influence which provider and treatment methods you choose.
-
Safety
You will want to understand the precautions around pesticides used in your house, for the sake of your family, your pets, and yourself. Your pest control provider should provide information about all pesticides they will be using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures they have in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) must be registered with the EPA.
-
Treatment Methods
Many companies have started offering options for more environmentally friendly pest control techniques before jumping into using harsh pesticides.
One common method for making pest control safer and greener is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Buffalo
Not all pests are equally pervasive in Buffalo. Some species that you should keep an eye out for include the following:
- Ticks: If you live near forests or areas with dense vegetation, or close to a body of water, you may be at higher risk of tick infestations. Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme to you or your pets.
- Fleas: Typically, fleas prefer warmer weather and are frequently brought inside by pets.
- Flies: You may spot flies around sinks or in areas where you keep food. Flies can get into your house in Buffalo throughout the year, but they're particularly common when the weather gets warmer.
- Mice: Some telltale signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in places where food is stored.
- Spiders: These pests prefer moist, dark places and are often found in basements or attics.
Buffalo Pest Control FAQ
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
Pests come into your house looking for one of three things: food, water, or shelter. Some pests will opportunistically enter your home via a foundation crack or broken screen. Some are drawn by food, either actual food sitting out or trash left out in the open. Others look for water, either standing water on your property or puddles inside from leaky pipes.
There are several things you can do to help prevent pest infestations. First, avoid leaving food out. Make sure food is stored in sealed containers, and avoid leaving trash sitting around.
Next, try not to have standing water in or around your home. Repair leaks inside and eliminate standing water sites outside. Finally, seal off potential pest entrances into your home, including siding or foundation cracks.
Typically, it's recommended that your house is treated for pests around once a year, more frequently if there is an active infestation. Your pest professional will ultimately be the one best equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
How long pest control takes to work depends on the issue and treatment. For example, if a wasp nest is removed, the problem should be resolved immediately. In other cases, it may take anywhere from one to two days to up to six weeks for significant results from pest control to become apparent. Some pest issues might require your technician to make multiple trips to your house.
