How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of factors that you can take into consideration when selecting the right pest control company for you. You may consider a company's qualifications and treatment methods, as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. And of course, there's 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?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, should be licensed via the appropriate New York 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.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can also obtain optional certifications like the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is awarded once a company has shown its methods to be more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further back up its methods and practices.
There are various professional organizations that a pest control company can be a member of. Pest control companies can obtain membership in both state-level organizations and 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
The amount of time that a company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with various pests. Online reviews or the company's website itself can also enlighten you as to whether it has the experience necessary to handle your specific pest problem. If the answers to your questions aren't available online, calling a representative is an easy way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
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Reviews and Recommendations
You can look up a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out local review sites and social media to hear what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the New York licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when deciding on a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider who uses more natural, environmentally-friendly methods.
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Safety
You will want to understand the precautions for the pesticides being used around your home, for the sake of your family, your pets, and yourself. Your pest control provider should supply information about all pesticides they plan on using, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures they have in place. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) should be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies will start with more environmentally friendly options before employing pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
