How do you decide what type of pest control is best for your home? It can be very confusing and frustrating to find a good pest control alternative to get the job done. Professional services may stretch your budget more than you’d like and home pest control may be inadequate to deal with the problems plaguing your home and garden. Here are some tips you can use to determine the best pest control for your situation.
One of the best things you can do before choosing whether or not you will hire a professional pest control company is to have your home and garden evaluated for any pest problems. Many pests can be handled using DIY techniques but there are some types of pests that really require professional treatment such as carpenter ants, termites, and wood boring beetles. The control and eradication of these destructive pests can be a complex and expensive process but it is crucial to get professional help to ensure the stability and structural integrity of your home.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Professional Pest Control Company
1. Licensing and Qualifications
Begin your search for a professional pest control company by checking each company’s licensing history and certifications. You can verify their qualifications by checking their pest control licensing through your state pesticide regulatory office.
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All professional and reputable pest control companies should have a certified entomologist on staff. If the company does not have a staff certified entomologist, consider another company. You should also verify that the companies you are considering to hire use Integrated Pest Management techniques or IPM. It is a balanced, environmentally friendly approach and is used by just about all reputable pest control companies.
2. Experience
After you verify all qualifications and licensing, the next step is to check how many years the company has been in business. You want to make sure they are financially stable and will be around for years to come. Check into their training programs and how many years of experience their pest control specialists have. Ask how they train new employees. Do they work or apprentice with seasoned employees to learn the trade? If you are hiring the company for a specific pest problem, investigate how much experience and expertise the company has dealing specifically with your pest problem.
3. References and Reputation
A great way to find a reputable, service-minded pest control company is to solicit referrals from family and friends that used a pest control company. Another way to locate reputable providers with a good service record is to check with your local Better Business Bureau or with the state pesticide regulatory office for any violations, complaints or unresolved problems. Finally, ask the company for customer references and to look over a portfolio of their work if they keep one.
4. Value for Money
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You want to get the best value for your money. Get written estimates from each company along with a list of their services and their rates. Check if you are committed to signing up for a long-term contract and what the term length and rate is for the long-term contract and any penalties for ending the contract early. Check if the company offers a guarantee, then get a list of everything that falls under the guarantee as well as exclusions.
5. Customer Care
You need a company that listens and responds. When you speak with company representatives, are they interested in your problems and do they actively listen to what you are saying and respond appropriately to your questions? Can they explain different pests and describe behaviors of those pests clearly and concisely? Are they willing to explain different options to you or do they hard sell their “program.” Are they open to discussing pest control safety and low-toxicity options, as well as environmentally friendly treatments?
There is no better way to base your decision than to educate yourself about pest control problems and treatment options before you begin checking out companies. The better educated you are as a consumer, the better able you are to make wise, informed decisions about the type and frequency of pest control you want for your home, family and property.
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