How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step is picking the best pest control professional for the job. 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 discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, licensure is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and their supervisors) in Tennessee should be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can earn the GreenPro Service Certification, which requires that a company show that its practices are more environmentally friendly and that its employee training is up to date. Trade organizations such as QualityPro offer other certifications. While not required, these can help show that a pest control company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. Membership in the NPMA gives companies access to education, resources, and a network of other pest control companies. While not required, membership in professional organizations helps demonstrate a company's reputability.
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 own website can also enlighten you about whether it has the skills and experience necessary to deal with your particular pests. If you cannot find the answers to your questions online, contacting the company directly is an easy way to learn about its areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can read reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, verify a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, or check its licensure status through the Tennessee licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
For many people, cost is one of the main deciding factors when picking a company for pest control services. Cost can be influenced by factors like your location, the type of pest being treated, and the size of your house.
You can consider whether a specific company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), and what sort of guarantees it provides. Often, a company will guarantee that if its treatment doesn't resolve your pest problem, it will continue to come back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, any children or pets, and the environment can influence the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
All pesticides (except those that are classified as minimum-risk) are required to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should provide you with information on every pesticide they will be using. 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
Many companies are making the switch to using more natural and greener treatment methods before (or instead of) harsh chemical pesticides. Some employ a program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, physical, biological, and cultural controls.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest control management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control solutions as needed.
Common Household Pests in Memphis
In Memphis, certain pests are more common than others. This list of pests includes the following:
- Cockroaches: You can find cockroaches in many parts of Tennessee, though they prefer wetter areas. This can make them an even bigger problem in Memphis. Cockroaches can come inside through small cracks, and they can sometimes bring in diseases like salmonella.
- Mice: Some telltale signs of mouse activity include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice tend to frequent attics or areas where food is stored.
- Spiders: These pests prefer dark and moist places and are often found in basements or attics.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout Tennessee, and they can lead to major problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are often tricky to get rid of, we recommend hiring a professional exterminator as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest wallpaper, bedsheets, furniture, and more.