Pests can be a nuisance, especially if you have tried all known preventative measures (keeping the house clean, fumigating, proper maintenance services, etc.) but still have to deal with an infestation. If you have been battling roaches for some time, why not hire a pest control company? Unlike DIY pest control, exterminators are specially trained and have all the necessary skills and equipment needed to control most known pests. With dozens of companies claiming to be the best in the industry, finding the right one can be a challenge. Luckily, there are a number of factors that make a good company. Outlined below are some of the critical factors to consider when looking to hire pest control services.
1. Licensing
Any practicing pest exterminator must be licensed to operate. Most governing state and local agencies require pest exterminators to apply for a license and renew the same after a specified period. One of the reasons for this is to weed out con artists without formal training and experience in the art. The company must meet a number of requirements to get proper licensing. That said, check and confirm the company’s license status before engaging or hiring them.
2. Experience
There’s more to offering quality service in this industry than spraying some pesticides to eradicate pests. The exterminator needs to understand what he/she is dealing with and know what approach to use to eliminate and reduce the risk of a re-infestation. That said, it would be advisable to consider companies with a proven track record and at least 3 years of experience in pest control.
3. Certifications
In addition to licensing, a good pest control company should have all the necessary certifications from the local professional associations. A good example of such accreditation is GreenPro certification offered by the National pest management association. Depending on your locality, asking to see the companies’ certificates before making the final decision would be advisable.
4. Specialty
Some companies focus on specific pest and control methods, while others will offer a rounded-up service. Companies specializing in specific pests, say roaches and mites, are better qualified to help you control a cockroach infestation, for example, than a general-purpose company. If your only problem is rodents, you should look for an exterminator to deal with the same. Be sure to search for a rodent exterminator when shopping for the best candidate.
5. Pest Control Methods Used
There are numerous and effective ways exterminators can employ to control pests. Some companies will first try the least invasive control method, such as a non-pesticide method. While most companies may use chemical pesticides for pest control, you can also insist on eco-friendly pest control methods as well. This is especially important if you want to reduce your carbon footprint or are allergic to toxic chemicals. Many companies also provide a post-treatment inspection to ascertain how effective the control measure was.
6. Cost
We are all familiar with the term, ‘you get what you pay for.’ This doesn’t however mean you should only hire the most expensive exterminator you can find. Instead, look for an affordable exterminator who knows their art quite well and has several years of experience. Compare several companies and their packages before deciding on the best one.
These are some of the key factors to consider when shopping for a pest exterminator. Avoid rushed decisions when hiring a pest control company. Take your time, ask the necessary questions, and speak your mind with the representative to get the best deal and service possible.