How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is choosing 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 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?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all New York pesticide applicators need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally 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 treatment that is safer for people and the environment.
There are various professional organizations that a pest control company can belong to. While not mandatory, membership in organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help demonstrate a company's reputability. In the NPMA and other organizations, pest control companies have access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Typically, a company will list information like years of experience and specialities on its website. Online reviews can also help you determine if a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can speak with a company representative directly to get the answers to your questions.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can verify a company's legitimacy using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media or local review sites. You can also check with New York's licensing board to verify the status of a company's license.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, your location, the size of your house, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you figure out if it fits into your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when selecting a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally-friendly methods.
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Safety
You can ask your pest control technician if they plan on using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides--if not, ask what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that has been deemed above minimum risk must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to supply information about all pesticides to be used, and how safe they are around people and pets.
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Treatment Methods
Organizations looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often follow practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Queens
In Queens, some species of pests are more common than others. This list of pests includes the following:
- Flies: You might find flies around sinks or in places where food is kept. Flies might get into your house in Queens throughout the year, but they're especially common when the weather gets warmer.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer dark and damp places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout New York, and they can cause serious problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations can be difficult to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest furniture, wallpaper, bedsheets, and more.
- Mice: Some common signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are often found in attics or in places where you keep food.
Queens Pest Control FAQ
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Pests make their way into your house looking for one of three things: food, water, or shelter. Some pests will enter your home simply because they have the opportunity to do so, via a foundation crack or broken screen. Some are attracted to food, either actual food sitting out or trash left out in the open. Others are searching for water, whether it be standing water on your property or puddles inside from leaky pipes.
One way to prevent pest infestations is seal off possible entrances into your home. This includes things like cracks in your foundation or siding. Also try to avoid leaving food out for pests. This means keeping food in sealed containers as well as not leaving trash out. Finally, get rid of standing water in and around your home. Work to reduce places where water can collect outside, and fix leaks inside.
Generally, it's recommended that you have your house treated for pests about once annually, more often if you have an active infestation. Your pest control professional will ultimately be the one best equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
We strongly suggest that you ask your pest technician if they want you to clean around your house. This can help ensure they can find, identify, and treat all pests present. However, some providers may want to see your house as-is.
If you are asked to clean, make sure paper goods and trash are cleared out of affected areas, as some pests like to hide in these items. Also be sure that food is stored away so that it does not get contaminated by pesticides. You may want to also remove any plants in the area to avoid contamination with chemicals. Lastly, if needed, block off areas that you expect will be treated so that children and pets stay away until it is safe. If you require a more intensive process like fumigation, be sure to closely follow the instructions of your pest professional.
It's not unusual to feel as though you're seeing more pests in the first few days or weeks after pest control. The process tends to flush pests out of their hiding spaces, which makes them more visible; you might also find more dead pests around your house. If this uptick in pests sightings doesn't start to decrease after one to two weeks, reach out to your Queens pest professional, as further treatment may be required.
