How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control company, there are a number of factors that you can consider to be sure you choose the right one for you. Some things you might consider include qualifications and licensing, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
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?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them must be licensed at the state level. The EPA maintains minimum standards of competency, and the Texas regulatory agencies handle the granting, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
There are additional optional certifications that can help prove that a pest control company is reputable. One example is the GreenPro Service Certification. For this certification, a company must prove that its methods are more environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Additional certifications can be earned through QualityPro and similar trade organizations.
Pest control companies can also be members of various professional organizations. Pest control companies can join state-level organizations as well as national organizations such as 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
Looking at a company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what species of pests it specializes in exterminating. Local reviews can also offer some insight into a company's experience dealing with a specific pest. If you can't find this information online, you can try contacting the company directly.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), browse reviews on social media or local review sites, or check the standing of its license via the Texas licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
The cost of pest control can vary based on things like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should try to determine whether a company includes free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider a company's guarantees: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatment until the issue is handled satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important consideration when choosing a pest control provider. You may also prefer one that uses environmentally-friendly methods.
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Safety
All pesticides that will be used (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) must be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should provide you with information on each pesticide they are using. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions they plan to take.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies are now trialing options for more environmentally friendly methods of pest control before relying on harsh pesticides.
One common 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 if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls.
- Use chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Irving
Some specific pests are more prevalent in Irving, and these are the ones you should keep watch for. Some of these include the following:
- Bees: Your local pest control professional can help eliminate bee infestations around your home (some companies may have resources to safely relocate hives). You may be especially concerned with having bees' nests removed if there is someone in your household who is allergic.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might start noticing droppings or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is stored.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Texas and can cause major problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations can be hard to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest furniture, bedsheets, wallpaper, and more.
Irving Pest Control FAQ
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Pests enter your house 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 foundation crack or broken screen. Some are drawn by food, either actual food left out or trash sitting out in the open. Others are searching for water, whether it be standing water outside or puddles inside from things like leaky pipes.
One thing you can do to prevent pest infestations is seal off possible entrances into your home. These include things like cracks in your siding or foundation. Also try to avoid leaving food out for pests. This means keeping food in sealed containers as well as not leaving trash out. Third, eliminate standing water in and around your home. Try to reduce places where water collects outside, and fix leaks inside.
You should consider hiring an exterminator any time you see signs of pests in your Irving home. You might see nests, droppings, damage, or even the pests themselves. If you've had seasonal or recurrent pest infestations, we recommend annual preventive pest management.
The majority of pesticides last approximately 30 to 90 days after application. Rain can wash away outdoor chemicals, giving them a shorter lifespan than those applied indoors. Other factors that affect how long pesticide application lasts include what chemicals are used, the method of applying them, what pests are present, and the extent of your pest problem.
If pests get into your home, you might find yourself spending a good deal of time and money ridding yourself of them, and potentially recovering from illness or damages they have caused. Preventive pest control can help stop this from happening in the first place.
