How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are several things you can consider when selecting the best pest control company for you. Some things you might consider include licensing and qualifications, 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?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Pennsylvania need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
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Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can obtain optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. These certifications can help you evaluate the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification recognizes comprehensive and effective pest control methods that are safer for humans and the environment.
There are several professional organizations that a pest control company can be a member of. Membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not mandatory, but helps show that a company is reputable. When a pest control company joins the NPMA, it gains access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss practices and methods.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at a company's website can tell you how many years it has been in business and what species of pests it specializes in eliminating. Local reviews can also provide some insight into a company's experience dealing with a certain type of pest. If you're unable to find this information online, you can try calling the company directly.
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Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local review sites, and social media. You can also verify the status of a company's license via the Pennsylvania licensing board.
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Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the most important factors when picking a company for pest control. Cost can be influenced by factors like the size of your house, your location, and the type of pest being treated.
You can take into consideration whether a company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what kind of guarantees are provided. Often, a company will guarantee that if your pest problem isn't fixed by its treatment, it will continue to treat until it is.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider who employs more natural, environmentally-friendly methods.
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Safety
Your pest control provider should be using low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides any time they can. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
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Treatment Methods
Many companies have started making the switch to using more natural treatment methods before, or in place of, harsh chemical pesticides. Some follow a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
