How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control company for you is key. 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 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 need to be certified at the state level. The EPA does set minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Texas should 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 earn the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer additional certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also belong to various professional organizations. A pest control company can join both state-level organizations and national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals to compare best practices with.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at how long a company has been in business can help determine how much experience it has taking care of pests in your area. You can also browse its website or peruse customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the type of pests you are looking to get rid of. If this information is not available online, getting in touch with a company representative is a good way to learn more.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can look at a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out social media and local review sites to learn what other people are saying, or verify its license standing via the Texas licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be affected influenced by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
Many companies offer free on-site estimates as part of their process, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether if your company has a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You might also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
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Safety
Your pest control provider should be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides when possible. If any pesticides used don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they will put in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Any pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies have started offering options for more environmentally friendly pest control techniques before jumping into using harsh pesticides.
One popular 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 whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Arlington
Not all pests are equally prevalent in Arlington. Some species that you should be on the lookout for are these:
- Wasps: In many cases, wasps are difficult to get rid of, especially if you're trying to avoid their stingers. They are commonly found in spots like attics, roof overhangs, garages, and sheds.
- Bees: Having bees around your house can be a nuisance, particularly if someone in your household has an allergy. Your local pest control company can help eliminate bees; some may even be able to help safely relocate hives.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Texas and can lead to big problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are often difficult to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest furniture, bedsheets, wallpaper, and more.
- Spiders: These pests prefer damp and dark places and are commonly found in attics.
- Mice: If you have a mouse infestation, you may notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in attics or in places where food is stored.
Arlington Pest Control FAQ
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Pests enter your home 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 broken screen or foundation crack. Some are attracted to food, either actual food left out or trash sitting out in the open. Others look for water, whether it be standing water on your property or puddles inside from leaky pipes.
There are several steps you can take to help prevent pest infestations. First, avoid leaving food out. Make sure food is stored in sealed containers, and avoid leaving trash sitting around.
Second, avoid having standing water in or around your home. Fix leaks indoors and eliminate standing water sites outdoors. Finally, seal off any possible pest entrances into your home, including foundation and siding cracks.
Typically, it's recommended that your house is treated for pests about once annually, more often if there is an active infestation. Your pest professional will ultimately be the best person to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
Preventive pest control is important to help stop pest problems before they start. Your local pest control technician know about the pests that live in your part of Arlington, including how they make their way into your home and at what times of the year they are most active.Your technician can suggest changes and implement barriers to keep pests out of your home, which can save time and money that you might otherwise spend on future pest control visits--and on the damage and illness caused by pests.
