How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control company, there are a number of factors that you can consider to be sure that you're choosing the right one for you. In addition to a company's qualifications and treatment methods, you may also look into how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to consider the cost of services.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
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Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is regulated at the state level. All pesticide applicators and supervisors in Pennsylvania 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 also have the option to obtain additional certifications like the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is granted once a company has proven that its treatment methods are more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further support its practices and methods.
There are certain professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. Being a member of organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps verify a company's reputability. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to education, resources, and a network of pest professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can gain some insight into a company's level of experience by looking into how long it has been in operation. The company's website and local reviews can also inform you whether the company has experience dealing with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can always contact a representative directly to learn this information if it is not available online.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can read reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, view a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check the status of its license through the Pennsylvania licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors can all affect the price of pest control.
You can learn whether a company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), as well as what kind of guarantees it offers. Often, a company will provide a guarantee that if it does not resolve your pest problem, it will continue treatment until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to select one that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
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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 technician should be able to provide information about all pesticides they plan to use, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures they have in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) should be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to begin with more environmentally friendly options before employing pesticides, using a framework called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Philadelphia
Not all pests are equally pervasive in Philadelphia. Some species that you should keep an eye out for include the following:
- Mosquitoes: In addition to being annoying, a mosquito infestation can lead to itchy bites and possibly even put you and your family at risk of diseases. Mosquitoes thrive in wetter climates (like Philadelphia) and warmer weather.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations are often very hard to eliminate, so we recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout Pennsylvania, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
- Mice: Telltale signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in areas where you keep food.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your basement, attic, or other damp, dark areas. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want an infestation of them in your home.
Philadelphia 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 look for water, whether it be standing water on your property or puddles inside from things like leaky pipes.
There are certain steps you can take to help prevent pest infestations. First, don't leave food out. Make sure food is stored in sealed containers, and don't leave trash sitting around.
Second, avoid having standing water in or around your house. Repair leaks inside and eliminate places where standing water collects outdoors. Finally, seal off possible pest entrances into your house, including siding or foundation cracks.
It is generally recommended that you hire a pest control technician about once a year. If there is an active infestation, you will need pest control to come out more often. Ultimately, your pest professional will be the person who is best-equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
It's generally a good idea to keep pets away from treated areas during and for some time after application. Some pest control chemicals are non-toxic or have low toxicity, but generally they should not be ingested by pets. Your pest control expert will tell you how far to keep pets out of treated areas, and for how long.
We recommend discussing this question with your pest technician while they are at your house, as the answer can vary depending on the treatments used. After pesticide application, you may notice a lingering smell that should dissipate over time.
In many cases, vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down certain surfaces will be appropriate after pest control. However, make sure that you don't wipe away chemical barriers, and avoid touching any traps unless you are explicitly told to do so. After the problem is taken care of, continue to keep your home clean. Don't let garbage pile up, take care of spills and leaks promptly, and so on. This helps keep pests from coming back.
