How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the best company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. You may consider a company's qualifications and treatment methods, in addition to its customer reviews and years of experience. Of course, there is also the cost of services to consider.
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?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency for pesticide application, licensing is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in North Carolina must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One optional certification that could be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. To get this certification, a pest control company must both demonstrate that its practices are more environmentally friendly and uphold certain technician training standards. Companies can also obtain other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further support their work.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. A pest control company can join both state-level organizations and 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 professionals with whom to compare best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Browsing a company's website can tell you how many years it has been in operation and what species of pests it specializes in eliminating. Local reviews can also provide some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If you're unable to 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 reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read local review sites and social media to learn what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the North Carolina licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also see if it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment can affect the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
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Safety
You can ask your pest control technician if they are going to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides--if not, ask about what precautionary measures they will take. Any pesticide that has been deemed above minimum risk should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control company should supply information about all pesticides that will be used in your home, in addition to how safe they are around people and pets.
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Treatment Methods
Nowadays, many companies are exploring greener and cleaner pest solutions that can be used 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.
- 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 if needed, and always in combination with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
