How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When selecting a pest control company, there are several things that you can consider to make sure you choose the right one for you. The qualifications of and treatment methods used by a company are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, you also want to consider cost.
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) maintains minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is regulated at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Texas must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer additional certifications. These are not required, but can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable.
There are several professional organizations that pest control companies can be members of. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership provides companies with access to resources, education, and a network of other pest professionals. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps demonstrate a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Generally, a company will list information like its specialities and years of experience on its website. Local reviews can also inform you as to whether a company has experience dealing with a specific pest. If you're unable to find the information you need online, you can contact a company representative directly to get your questions answered.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can read reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, look up a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the Texas licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should first look into whether a company offers free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not fixed, or if it returns, does the company provide additional treatments until the issue is handled satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment can influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
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Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what sort of precautionary measures they are going to use. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals must be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to supply information about all chemicals that they plan on using.
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Treatment Methods
It is now common for companies to start with more environmentally friendly options before employing harsh pesticides, using a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Use a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in San Antonio
In San Antonio, there are some pests that are more common than others. This list of pests includes the following:
- Mosquitoes: Mosquito infestations are more common if you live in a wetter area. They're also more common when the weather is warmer. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance--they can cause itchy bites and even carry diseases.
- Snakes: Snakes prefer damp, cool, and dark places and often enter a home looking for food. While most species of snakes are harmless, this is not a risk that you and your family want to take.
- Bees: Bees around your home can be a nuisance, particularly if someone in your household is allergic. Your local pest control company can help eliminate bees, and some might even be able to help safely relocate hives.
- Mice: Some common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Frequently, mice can be found in attics or in places where you keep food.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations are often very hard to eliminate, so we strongly recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Texas, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your attic or other dark, damp places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your home.
San Antonio 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, through a foundation crack or broken screen. Some are drawn by food, either actual food left out or trash sitting out in the open. Others look for water, either standing water outside or puddles inside from things like leaky pipes.
One method for preventing pest infestations is to seal off possible entrances into your home. These include things like cracks in your foundation or siding. Also try to avoid leaving out food for pests. This means keeping food in sealed containers and not leaving trash out. Third, eliminate standing water in and around your home. Find ways to reduce places where water collects outside, and fix leaks inside.
It is generally recommended that you hire a pest control technician about once a year. If you have an active infestation, you will need pest control to come out more frequently. Ultimately, your pest professional will be the person best-equipped to recommend a treatment schedule for you.
It's usually a smart 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 professional will tell you how far to keep pets out of treated areas, and for how long.
