How To Choose a Pest Control Company
The first step is selecting the right pest control company for the job. Things you might consider include qualifications and licensing, pest intervention strategies, years of experience, customer reviews, and cost.
Below, we discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
All pesticide applicators (and those who supervise them) are required to be certified at the state level. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators working in the state of Texas should be licensed via the necessary state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies can optionally obtain certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro. These are not required, but can help you evaluate the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification is given to companies that use comprehensive and effective pest control treatment that is safer for humans and the environment.
A pest control company can also be a member of various professional organizations. Companies can obtain membership in 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 mandatory, membership in professional organizations helps back up a company's reputability.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a pest control company has been in business can tell you something about its experience dealing with the pests that live in San Antonio. Online reviews or the company's own website can also inform you whether it has the experience necessary to handle your specific pest problem. If you cannot find the answers to your questions online, speaking with a representative is an easy way to learn about the company's areas of expertise.
Reviews and Recommendations
You can view a company's rating and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), read local review sites and social media to see what homeowners near you think, or verify its license standing through the Texas licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by the size of your house, the type of pest being treated, your location, and other factors.
A pest control company may offer a free on-site estimate to help you match services to your budget. You can also check to see if it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe is an important concern when choosing a pest control provider. You may also prefer a provider that provides eco-friendly treatment plans.
Safety
All pesticides (except those that are classified as minimum-risk) need to be registered with the EPA. Your pest control technician should provide information on each pesticide they will be using. They should inform you whether the pesticides are low toxicity or non-toxic, and if not, what safety precautions will be in place.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies are now exploring cleaner and greener pest control solutions that can be used before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify problem pests and determine if immediate action is needed.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and physical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Employ chemical controls only if needed, and always in combination with other solutions for effective long-term pest management.
- Evaluate outcomes and continue with additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in San Antonio
Not all pests are equally prevalent around San Antonio. Some species that you should be on the lookout for include the following:
- Flies: Flies can be a nuisance in your San Antonio home year-round, but they may be especially common when the weather is warmer. You might find flies around sinks or in places where food is kept.
- Mosquitoes: In addition to being annoying, a mosquito infestation can result in itchy bites and possibly even put you and your family at risk of diseases. Mosquitoes thrive in wetter climates and warmer weather.
- Ticks: A tick infestation can be dangerous because they can bring Lyme or other diseases into your home. You are likely at increased risk of these infestations if you live near a forest, a body of water, or an area of dense vegetation.
- Bed bugs: Bed bug infestations can be very difficult to quash, so we strongly recommend hiring an exterminator as soon as possible. Bed bugs are found throughout Texas, and can infest not just your bedsheets, but also other furniture and even your wallpaper.
- Mice: If there are mice in your home, you might notice droppings or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in attics or in places where food is kept.