How To Choose a Pest Control Company
When picking a pest control professional, there are a number of factors that you can consider to make sure you choose the right one for you. Along with a company's qualifications and pest extermination methods, you might also consider how long it has been in business and what the reviews are like. Last but not least, you'll likely want to look at the cost of services.
Below, we dive into detail on each of these factors.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains minimum competency standards for pesticide applicators, but licensing is regulated at the state level. All pesticide applicators and their supervisors in Illinois need to be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain additional certifications such as the GreenPro Service Certification. This certification is given once a company has shown that its treatment methods are more eco-friendly and demonstrated that it also holds itself up to certain other standards, such as up-to-date employee training. A company can also earn other certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations to further verify its practices and methods.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. While not mandatory, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help verify a company's reputability. After joining an organization like the NPMA, a company receives access to resources, education, and a network of 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 common pests in Chicago. You can also browse its website or look through customer reviews to decide whether it has the right kind of experience handling the species of pests you are looking to get rid of. If this information is not available online, calling the company directly is a great way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. Additionally, you can check the status of a company's license via the Illinois licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors can all affect the cost of pest control.
You can learn whether a company provides free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), as well as what type of guarantees it has. Often, a company will guarantee that if it does not take care of your pest problem, it will continue treatment until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Your preferences regarding safety for yourself, your children, your pets, and the environment may affect the provider and the treatment methods you choose.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be able to explain the safety precautions of any and 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 used to protect you, your family, and your pets. All pesticides that pose above a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies are now exploring greener and cleaner pest control solutions that can be used before (or in place of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of physical, biological, mechanical, and cultural controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only when required, and always along with other techniques for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and implement additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Chicago
Not all pests are equally common in Chicago. Some species that you should be on the lookout for are these:
- Ants: Ants can be found in basically all of Illinois. Large carpenter ants can be even more of a problem than normal soil ants, because they can cause structural damage to your home.
- Mosquitoes: You're at greater risk of a mosquito infestation if your home is in a wetter area. They're also more common during the warmer months. Mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance—they can cause itchy bites and even carry diseases.
- Spiders: These pests prefer moist, dark places and are commonly found in basements or attics.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. You can often find mice in places where food is kept or in attics.