How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step in the pest control process is hiring the right company for you. Important decision-making factors can include a company's qualifications, its treatment methods, experience and reviews, and of course the cost of services.
Below, we explore the details of 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 competency standards for pesticide application, licensing is handled at the state level. All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) in Pennsylvania must be licensed by all the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can obtain optional certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. These are not required, but can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification recognizes comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for humans and the environment.
Pest control companies can also obtain membership in professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. Membership in the NPMA provides companies with access to resources, education, and a network of other pest control companies. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps demonstrate a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
A pest control company's website can tell you how long it has been in operation and what type of pests it specializes in exterminating. Online reviews can also give you some insight into a company's experience dealing with a specific pest. If this information isn't available online, you can try contacting the company directly.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can check a company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local review sites or social media. You can also check with Pennsylvania's licensing board to see the status of a company's license.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, your location, and other factors.
When thinking about the cost of services, you should first look into whether a company provides free on-site estimates as part of its services. This can help determine whether the company fits into your budget. Also look into a company's guarantees: If the problem is not fixed, or if it returns, does the company provide additional treatment until the problem is satisfactorily handled?
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when picking a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that employes eco-friendly practices.
Safety
It's important to understand the precautions around pesticides being used around your home, for the sake of you, your family, and your pets. Your pest control expert should supply information about the pesticides they intend to use, whether they are low toxicity or non-toxic, and (if not) what safety measures will be used. All pesticides (except minimum-risk ones) need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your pest control expert will start with lower-toxicity, more natural methods before trying harsher chemicals.
Many companies now use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to eliminate pests while reducing personal and environmental risks. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether 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.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always in combination with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, certain pests are more common than others. This list includes the following:
- Ticks: If you live near forests or areas of dense vegetation, or close to a body of water, you may be at greater risk of a tick infestation. Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme to you or your pets.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches can be found throughout Pennsylvania, though they prefer wetter areas. Cockroaches might enter your home through small cracks, and they can sometimes bring in diseases like salmonella.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs are often very difficult to get rid of, so we recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout Pennsylvania, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer dark and damp places and are often found in basements or attics.
- Mice: Common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your house. Mice tend to frequent attics or places where food is kept.