How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is picking the best pest control professional for the job. Some things you may consider include licensing and qualifications, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we dive into detail on 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 their supervisors need to be licensed at the state level. The EPA maintains minimum competency standards, and the California regulatory agencies handle the granting, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can also obtain optional certifications like the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is awarded once a company has proven that its treatment methods are more environmentally friendly and demonstrated that it also maintains certain other standards, such as up-to-date training for employees. A company can also earn other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further verify its practices and methods.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. Companies can be members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state-level organizations. NPMA membership provides companies with access to education, resources, and a network of other pest control companies. While not mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has taking care of common pests in San Diego. You can also browse its website or look through customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the type of pests you are dealing with. If this information can't be found online, calling the company directly is a good way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), browse reviews on local review sites or social media, or check the standing of its license via the California licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring someone for pest control. Cost can be influenced by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
Often, companies will offer free on-site estimates as part of their process, to help you determine whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a company offers a satisfaction guarantees, meaning that if your pest problem is not solved by the initial treatment, it will continue returning until it is.
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
Your pest control technician should be able to explain the safety precautions of any and all pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to clarify whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not what safety precautions they plan to use to protect you, your family, and your pets. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk need to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Nowadays, many companies are exploring greener and cleaner pest management that can be implemented before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many are following the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Figure out what pests are causing the problem and determine whether immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in San Diego
Some specific pests are seen more commonly in San Diego, and these pests are the ones to keep an eye out for. Some of these include the following:
- Moths: If there is a moth infestation in your home, you might start finding holes in your linens or clothing. Moths do best in warmer weather (which makes them a particular problem in San Diego) and prefer dark places like closets.
- Mice: Some common signs of mice include chewed wires and droppings around your home. Mice tend to frequent attics or places where you keep food.
- Spiders: You may find spiders in your attic or other moist, dark places. While most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, you don't want an infestation of them in your home.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs may be found throughout California, and they can lead to big problems if left untreated. Because bed bug infestations are often difficult to get rid of, we recommend getting professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. These pests can infest wallpaper, bedsheets, furniture, and more.