How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Choosing the best pest control treatment method for you is important. A company's qualifications and pest treatment methods are important to consider, as are its years of experience and what other customers have said. Of course, you will also want to consider cost.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
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, licensure is taken care of at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in Indiana must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
A pest control company can obtain optional certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to support its methods and standards. One particular certification is the GreenPro Service Certification, which is granted when a company can demonstrate that its methods are more eco-friendly. These companies also need to maintain certain training standards for employees.
Pest control companies can also join certain professional organizations. Being a member of organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations is not required, but helps show that a company is reputable. The NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss methods and practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
A company's years in business can indicate how much experience it has handling pests in Indianapolis. You can also look at its website or look through customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the species of pests you are struggling with. If this information can't be found online, getting in touch with a company representative is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can read reviews and recommendations on social media or local review sites, verify a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the Indiana licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when picking 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.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when choosing a pest control professional. You might also prefer a provider who uses more natural, environmentally friendly pest control services.
Safety
Make sure to ask your pest control expert if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what kind of precautionary measures they plan to take. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest technician should be able to supply information about all chemicals that they plan on using.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your technician will start with eco-friendly and lower-toxicity treatment methods before moving on to harsher chemicals.
Many companies have begun to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to eliminate pests while reducing personal and environmental risks. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of physical, cultural, biological, and mechanical controls.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always along with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Indianapolis
Some pests are more common than others. In Indianapolis, common pests to be on the lookout for include the following:
- Bees: Your local pest expert can help eliminate bee infestations around your home (some companies may are able to safely relocate hives). You may be particularly eager to have bees' nests removed if someone in your household has an allergy.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations are often very hard to quash, so we recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Indiana, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other damp, dark places. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your home.
- Mice: Telltale signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice tend to frequent attics or places where food is stored.