Choosing a Pest Control Service: Some Advice
First of all, a lot of us can prevent domestic pests from getting out of hand by practicing appropriate sanitation and home care habits as homeowners, tenants, and landlords. However, certain pest infestations could be severe or a certain bug might be challenging to manage, necessitating the assistance of a pest control business.
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Consider quality and value when choosing a pest control provider, just like you would with any other service. Competency and costs are significant. The firm you choose should not be solely based on price when choosing a pest control service. It is crucial to confirm the competence of the pest control business you select. Misuse of pesticides can harm both people’s health and property. Consider the following before hiring a pest control company:
Do Your Research and Take Your Time
The majority of individuals want pest issues resolved right away when they become aware of them. However, the majority of issues may wait a few days, giving you time to choose a capable, reasonably priced business. It is a good idea to get several quotes from potential businesses. The majority of businesses offer free estimates.
What to Ask a Potential Pest Control Company
At your current location, how long have you been in business?
To find out if complaints have been made about the business or its applicators using pesticides improperly, get in touch with agencies like the EPA, the States Attorney General’s Office, the State Departments of Agriculture, or the Better Business Bureau.
Would you please send me a list of references?
Ask a few references if they were pleased with the service the pest control firm gave.
Will the individual(s) providing the services be a certified, licensed technician, pesticide applicator, or both?
Each business must have a minimum of one licensed, certified commercial pesticide applicator who fits the required service category. Other corporate applicators must be licensed technicians or qualified applicators working under their direct supervision.
Calling the various State Departments of Agriculture can allow you to confirm licenses.
Would you mind giving me copies of your pest control license, the labels for every pesticide you plan to use, and the rates at which you intend to apply them?
Reputable applicators will be able to show you copies of the pesticide labels that describe how the chemical should be used, including the correct application rates and the essential precautions, as well as their credentials and proof of their training.
WARNING: AVOID ANY ENTITIES OR PEOPLE THAT…
- Want to include pest control in a package deal with other services, such as regular home repairs or tree trimming, or offer you a discount if treatment is completed right away.
- Don’t have an active or advertised phone number.
- Offering services door-to-door or focusing on elderly or disabled people living alone. Verify their credentials and identification!
- Show you insects they have discovered in your neighbors’ homes as proof of a neighborhood issue when they unexpectedly arrive.
- Give a price per gallon. A few hundred liters of insecticide that has been diluted may be needed for termite control.
- Make a secret formula claim. The U.S. EPA and the State Departments of Agriculture must register each pesticide product. A list of the active chemicals can be found on registered pesticide labels.
- They will make the claim that your home is structurally unsound and might collapse if you don’t get it fixed in an effort to persuade you to sign a contract right away.
- Offer a discounted rate for quick service and claim to have extra material from a previous project.
- Claim to have the support of the US EPA, the US Department of Agriculture, or another official body. Government organizations DO NOT recommend any particular service provider or brand of pesticide.
Additional Considerations
Some pest control businesses provide service contracts that include routine treatments for a specific pest in structures. In some circumstances, such as when warehouses receive crates that are frequently infested with cockroaches, contracts may be required. Unless there is a persistent pest infestation and non-chemical measures have failed to manage the pest, routine pesticide applications in and around your house are generally not a smart idea. Periodic inspections should be included in service agreements for homeowners, but pesticides shouldn’t be used unless the pests are genuinely present and can’t be controlled without them.
Termite control services often come with a one- to five-year guarantee. Make sure you are aware of the guarantee’s coverage details and find out whether there is a fee for yearly inspections. Additionally, ascertain whether the pest control business is liable for any structural harm if the treatment fails to eradicate the termite infestation. Only the entity providing the assurance may be trusted.
Cooperate and follow directions if the service provider asks you to perform anything prior to, during, or after the pesticide application. For instance:
- If the service worker requests that you clear the floor of personal items, empty the kitchen cupboards, or remove your pets before they arrive, make sure you have already done so.
- Children and dogs should not be allowed in sprayed areas until the pesticide spray has dried.
- Aquariums should either be taken out of the treatment area or covered with thick plastic with the air pump off.
- All other domestic pets should be removed from the treatment area.
Be sure to follow the directions if the service provider recommends non-chemical pest control measures in addition to the insecticides.
Your participation with the pest control firm will help to get rid of the bugs and use fewer pesticides.
Pesticides are by nature poisonous, and if used contrary to the instructions on the label, they may harm human health and/or the environment. It’s possible that some pesticides are riskier than others. Contact your neighborhood University Extension Service to choose the insecticide that best suits your needs.