How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several factors you can consider when choosing the best pest control treatment methodfor you. Important factors include a company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency for pesticide applicators, but licensing is overseen at the state level. All pesticide applicators and supervisors in Texas must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that could be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. In order to obtain this certification, a pest control company needs to both show that its practices are more environmentally friendly and uphold certain training standards for its technicians. Companies can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further back up their work.
There are certain professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. Pest control companies can obtain membership in state-level organizations as well as national organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). By being a member of these optional organizations, a company helps support its reputability and gains access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Generally, a company provides information like its years of experience and specialities on its website. Online reviews can also help you figure out if a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get the answers to your questions.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can look at a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read local review sites and social media to learn what other people are saying, or verify its license standing through the Texas licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When picking a pest control provider, you want to select one that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer an environmentally-conscious provider.
Safety
Your pest control expert should use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides when possible. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. All pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk should be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies are now exploring cleaner and greener pest management that can be implemented before (or in place of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Carrollton
Certain pests are more common than others. In Carrollton, common pests to be wary of include the following:
- Termites: Termites can often enter your home from nearby piles of firewood, rotting wood, or mulch. If not taken care of, they can do a significant amount of damage and necessitate hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Ticks: If your house is near a forest or area of dense vegetation, or near a body of water, you may be at greater risk of a tick infestation. Ticks can spread Lyme or other diseases to you or your pets.
- Beetles: There are a number of species of beetles across the country and in Texas. Many species are harmless, but some may feed on and damage things like carpeting and the wooden structure of your home.
- Spiders: These pests prefer dark and moist places and are often found in attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found throughout Texas, and they can cause major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often difficult to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest bedsheets, furniture, wallpaper, and more.
