How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is selecting the best pest control company for the job. Important decision-making factors include a 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?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide application, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in New York need to be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can optionally apply for certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to back up its standards and methods. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is awarded to any company that can demonstrate that its methods are more environmentally friendly. A company that receives this certification also needs to maintain certain training standards for employees.
Pest control companies can also obtain membership in professional organizations. Pest control companies can obtain membership in state-level organizations in addition to national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). By being a member of these optional organizations, a company helps support its reputability and gains access to education, resources, and a network of professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with the pests that live in Oyster Bay. Online reviews or the company's own website can also help you figure out whether it has the skills and experience necessary to handle your specific pest problem. If the answers to your questions aren't available 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 reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read local review sites and social media to see what others in your area have to say, or verify its license standing via the New York licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when looking for pest control. Cost can be affected by factors like your location, the type of pest being treated, and the size of your house.
You can consider whether a company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits your budget), and what sort of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if its treatment doesn't resolve your pest problem, it will continue to come back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when choosing a pest control provider, and you might prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally-friendly methods.
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Safety
Your pest control provider should be able to explain the safety precautions of any and all pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to explain whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. Any pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
You can ask if your technician will start with lower-toxicity, more natural options before trying harsher chemicals.
Many companies are now using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to eliminate pests while reducing personal and environmental risks. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Oyster Bay
Some pests are seen more commonly in Oyster Bay, and these pests are the ones you should keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Beetles: In Oyster Bay and across the U.S., there are a number of species of beetles that could cause problems. Many beetles are harmless, but others can cause damage to your home by eating carpeting, wood, and more.
- Mice: Some common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice tend to frequent attics or areas where food is stored.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout New York, and they can cause big problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs can be tricky to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest bedsheets, wallpaper, furniture, and more.
Oyster Bay Pest Control FAQ
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Pest infestations occur when pests come into your house looking for something, normally food, water, or shelter. Pests might be looking to eat food or trash left sitting out. Some might also be drawn to standing water outside (from rain collecting in one spot) or inside (from leaky pipes). Pests might also enter your house simply looking for shelter and get in through places such as foundation cracks or broken screens.
There are several steps you can take to help prevent pest infestations. First, avoid leaving food out. Keep your food stored in sealed containers, and avoid leaving trash sitting around.
Second, try not to have standing water in or around your home. Fix leaks indoors and eliminate places where standing water collects outdoors. Lastly, seal off any potential pest entrances into your home, including siding or foundation cracks.
Any time you notice signs of pest activity in your Oyster Bay home--which could include nests, droppings, signs of damage, or the pests themselves--you should reach out to an exterminator. If your home has had seasonal or recurrent pest infestations, we recommend getting in touch with a local pest control company to request annual pest management services.
We strongly suggest that you ask your pest technician if they want you to clean around your home. This can help them find, identify, and treat all pests present. However, some providers may want to see your home as-is.
If you are asked to clean, focus on getting paper goods and trash out of affected areas, as some pests like to hide in these items. Also be sure to put all food away so that it does not get contaminated by pesticides. Remove any plants in the area to avoid chemical contamination. Lastly, if necessary, block off areas that you anticipate will be treated so that pets and children do not enter until it is safe. If a more intensive process like fumigation is required, make sure you closely follow the instructions of your pest professional.
It's normal to feel like you're seeing more pests in the first few days or weeks after pest control. Pest control tends to flush pests from their hiding places, making them more visible; you might also find more dead pests around your house. If this uptick in pests sightings doesn't begin to decrease after one to two weeks, contact your Oyster Bay pest professional. Further treatment may be required.
