How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. You might consider a company's qualifications and treatment methods, in addition to its years of experience and customer reviews. And of course, there's 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 who supervise them) need to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but any pesticide applicators working in the state of Ohio should be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can receive optional certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro in order to back up its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is given 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 belong to certain professional organizations. Holding membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps confirm that a company follows industry best practices. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can get some insight into a company's experience level by looking at how many years it has been in operation. Local reviews and the company's own website can also tell you whether the company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests invading your home. You can contact the company directly to learn this information if it is not available online.
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Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. Additionally, you can verify the status of a company's license via the Ohio 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 the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Companies will often offer free on-site estimates as part of their process, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a company offers a satisfaction guarantees, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
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.
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Safety
Your pest technician should use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides whenever possible. If any pesticides used don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies have started making the switch to using more natural treatment methods before (or in place of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some use a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Cincinnati
Some pests are seen more commonly in Cincinnati, and these pests are the ones you should keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Beetles: There are a number of species of beetles around the country and in Ohio. Many types are harmless, but some can feed on and do damage to things like carpeting and the wooden structure of your house.
- Mice: Common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are commonly found in attics or in areas where you keep food.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other damp, dark places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your home.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Ohio and can lead to major 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 wallpaper, bedsheets, furniture, and more.
Cincinnati Pest Control FAQ
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Pests make their way into your home looking for one of three things: food, water, or shelter. Some pests will opportunistically enter your home through 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, either standing water on your property or puddles inside from leaky pipes.
There are certain 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, avoid having standing water in or around your house. Fix leaks indoors and eliminate standing water sites outside. Lastly, seal off potential pest entrances into your house, including siding or foundation cracks.
When you notice signs of pests in your Cincinnati home--which could include nests, droppings, signs of damage, or the pests themselves--you should reach out to your local pest professional. If you've had recurrent or seasonal pest infestations, we suggest getting in touch with a local pest control company to set up annual pest management services.
It's normal to feel as though you're seeing more pests in the first few days or weeks after pest control treatment. The process tends to flush pests out of their hiding places, thereby making them more visible; you might also start seeing more dead pests around your home. If the increase in pests sightings doesn't begin to decrease after one to two weeks, reach out to your Cincinnati pest professional. Another treatment may be necessary.
