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 the 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?
All pesticide applicators, as well as those that supervise them, must be licensed via the appropriate Texas regulatory agencies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established minimum standards of competency, while providing, maintaining, and revoking licensure is handled at the state level.
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 eco-friendly and that its employees receive up-to-date training. QualityPro and similar trade organizations also offer other certifications. These are not required, but can help demonstrate that a pest control company is reputable.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various 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 required, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
Looking at how long a pest control company has been in business can help determine how much experience it has dealing with pests in Houston. You can also explore its website or peruse customer reviews to figure out whether it has experience eliminating the species 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 look for reviews and recommendations on local review sites or social media, view a company's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or check its licensure status through the Texas licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Pest control costs can vary based on things like your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
When considering the cost of services, you should first look into whether a company provides free on-site estimates as part of its process. This can inform you whether the company fits into your budget. Also consider what guarantees a company offers: If the problem is not resolved, or if it returns, will the company provide additional treatment until the issue is resolved satisfactorily?
Safety and Treatment Methods
When it comes to choosing a pest control provider, you want to choose a company that will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. You may also prefer a provider that is eco-friendly.
Safety
Your pest control provider should use pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic when possible. If any pesticides used don't fit into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions will be used to protect you, your family, and your pets. All pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk must be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many companies will begin with more eco-friendly solutions before employing pesticides, following a technique called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). When using IPM, the following steps are taken:
- Identify problem pests and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Houston
You might run into some pests more often in Houston. Certain ones to keep an eye out for include these:
- Mosquitoes: On top of being a nuisance, a mosquito infestation can result in itchy bites and possibly even put you and your family at risk of diseases. Mosquitoes are most common in wetter climates and at warmer times of the year.
- Termites: Termites can often enter your home from nearby piles of firewood, rotting wood, or mulch. If not stopped, they can do a significant amount of damage and necessitate hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Beetles: Across the country and in Houston, there are a number of species of beetles that could cause problems. While many beetles are harmless, others can cause damage to your home by eating carpeting, wood, and more.
- Mice: If you have mice, you may notice droppings or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in places where food is stored or in attics.
- Spiders: You may encounter spiders in your attic or other moist, dark areas. Most spiders are harmless and pose no threat to humans, but you still don't want a spider infestation in your home.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are found throughout Texas and can cause major problems if left untreated. Because infestations of bed bugs are often hard to get rid of, we recommend having professional extermination as soon as you discover the problem. Bed bugs can infest furniture, wallpaper, bedsheets, and more.