How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The most important step in the pest control process is hiring the right company for you. Some things you might consider include qualifications and licensing, 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?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and those that supervise them must be certified at the state level. The EPA sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in District of Columbia need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. These certifications can help you evaluate the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification indicates comprehensive and effective pest control methods that are safer for people and the environment.
There are several professional organizations in which pest control companies can hold membership. While not mandatory, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help show a company's reputability. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to share best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
You can look at a pest control company's years in business to help determine how much experience it has handling pests in your area. You can also look at its website or read customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the type of pests you are struggling 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 look at a company's reviews and rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), check out social media and local review sites to learn what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing via the District of Columbia licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is important when hiring a pest control company. Cost can be influenced by your location, the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, and other factors.
Companies will often offer free on-site estimates before starting work, to help you decide whether it fits into your budget. You can also ask whether a provider offers a satisfaction guarantee, meaning that it will continue to treat your pest problem until it is solved.
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when deciding on a pest control provider. You might also prefer a provider who uses more natural, eco-friendly pest control management.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to explain the safety precautions of all pesticides that they're going to use. They should be able to explain whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic; if they are not, they should explain what safety precautions will be in place to protect your family, your pets, and you. Pesticides that pose greater than a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies are making the switch to using more natural and environmentally friendly treatment methods before (or in place 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 determine whether immediate action is required.
- Determine the best and safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of mechanical, cultural, biological, and physical controls.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other methods for effective long-term pest control management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control services as needed.
Common Household Pests in Washington
You might deal with some pests more frequently in Washington. Some pests to keep an eye out for include these:
- Beetles: Around the U.S. and in Washington, there are a diverse array of beetles that could create problems. While many beetles are harmless, others can cause damage to your home by eating wood, carpeting, and more.
- Bed bugs: Infestations of bed bugs are often very difficult to eliminate, so we strongly recommend calling a professional as soon as possible. Bed bugs can be found throughout District of Columbia, and can infest not only your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even wallpaper.
- Spiders: These pests prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in attics.