How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is hiring the best pest control company for the job. A company's qualifications and pest treatment methods are important to consider, as well as its years of experience and customer reviews. Of course, you will also want to think about cost.
Below, we explore the details of each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them must be certified at the state level. The EPA does set minimum standards of competency, but all Missouri pesticide applicators need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
One certification that pest control companies can earn is the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires a company to show that its practices are environmentally friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer additional certifications. While not required, these can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Companies can belong to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership gives companies access to resources, education, 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
Looking at a pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in business and what species of pests it specializes in exterminating. Online reviews can also offer some insight into a company's experience dealing with specific pests. If this information isn't available online, you can try contacting the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the Missouri licensing board.
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 check to see if it offers a guarantee of satisfaction.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your choice of pest control company might be influenced by how environmentally friendly a company's pest control servicesare, in addition to how safe its methods are around your family and pets.
Safety
All pesticides that will be used (except those that are determined to be of minimal risk) should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control expert should be able to provide you with information on every pesticide they plan to use. They should be able to tell you whether these chemicals are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be taken.
Treatment Methods
Pest control experts looking to reduce their use of chemical pesticides often follow practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using IPM involves a series of steps:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Kansas City
You might deal with some pests more often in Kansas City. Some to keep an eye out for include these:
- Wasps: Wasps are commonly found in places like sheds, attics, garages, and roof overhangs. They are often difficult to exterminate, and have painful stings. Your local pest control technician can help remove wasps from your property safely.
- Ants: Whether smaller soil ants or larger carpenter ants, these pests can be found in most areas of Missouri. Carpenter ants can pose a more urgent issue than their smaller counterparts by causing damage to your house.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs are often very difficult to quash, so we recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Missouri, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Mice: If you have mice, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. If your home has mice, they may be found in attics or in places where food is kept.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your basement, attic, or other damp, dark areas. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want a spider infestation in your home.