Best 5 Pest Control Companies in Baltimore, MD

How To Choose a Pest Control Company

There are a number of things that you can consider when selecting the best pest control company for you. Important factors can include a company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.

Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.

• Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?

  All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, need to be licensed via the appropriate Maryland regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, while issuing, maintaining, and revoking licensing is handled at the state level.

• 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 more environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer other certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a company is reputable.

  Pest control companies can also become members of professional organizations. Companies can obtain membership in the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership provides companies with access to education, resources, and a network of other pest professionals. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.

Professional Experience and Specialties

You can get some insight into a company's experience level by seeing how many years it has been in operation. Local reviews and the company's own website can also inform you whether a company has the experience needed to deal with the specific species of pests that are afflicting your home. You can contact a representative directly to learn this information if you can't find it online.

• Reviews and Recommendations

  You can look up a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), explore social media and local review sites to find out what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing through the Maryland licensing board.

• Cost of Services and Guarantees

  Cost is important when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.

  Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you determine if it fits into your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.

Safety and Treatment Methods

When picking a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You'll likely also prefer a provider that is environmentally-conscious.

• Safety

  Your pest technician should use pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic any time they can. If any pesticides they intend to use don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect you, your family, and your pets. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.

• Treatment Methods

  Many companies have started making the switch to using more natural treatment methods before, or instead of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some use a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:

  1. Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is needed.
  2. Determine the best and safest course of action.
  3. Use a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
  4. Employ chemical controls only when required, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
  5. Observe the results and continue with additional pest control as needed.