How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of things that you can consider when choosing the best pest control solutionfor you. In addition to a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you may also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews look like. Finally, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
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 licensed at the state level. The EPA has established minimum standards of competency, and the Texas regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. While not required, they can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification indicates comprehensive and effective pest control methods that are safer for people and the environment.
A pest control company can also be a member of certain professional organizations. Pest control companies can join state-level organizations as well as national organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). While not mandatory, membership in these organizations helps prove a company's reputability and gives it access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Browsing a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what type of pests it specializes in eliminating. Online reviews can also provide some insight into a company's experience dealing with a specific pest. If you can't find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy 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 Texas licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when hiring for pest control. Cost can be influenced by factors like the size of your house, your location, and the type of pest being treated.
You can take into consideration whether a certain company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what kind of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose one that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer an eco-friendly provider.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to explain the safety precautions of all pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to explain whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not what safety precautions will be used to protect your family, your pets, and you. All pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now trialing options for more eco-friendly solutions before moving to harsh pesticides.
One popular way of making pest control safer and greener is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Cedar Park
In Cedar Park, certain pests are more common than others. This list includes the following:
- Moths: If you're dealing with a moth infestation, you may notice holes in your linens or clothing. Moths do best in warmer weather (which makes them a particular problem in Cedar Park) and are often found in dark places like closets.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches can be found in many parts of Texas, though they prefer wetter areas. Cockroaches get into your house through small cracks, and sometimes spread diseases like salmonella.
- Mice: Some telltale signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice are often found in attics or in areas where food is stored.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs can be very difficult to quash, so we recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout Texas, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer damp and dark places and are often found in attics.
