We all want our problems resolved as quickly as possible, more so when it's pest problems that's been bugging us (no pun intended). Pests are a perennial problem not just in homes but in businesses as well because not only can they cost billions of dollars worth in structural damages, they can also spread various types of diseases.
Usually people try to handle pest problems on their own, either through spraying pesticides all over the house or employing various home remedies or by fanatically keeping their homes spotlessly clean. While all these may help, the solutions they offer are unfortunately, temporary and may at times not even work as well as you'd like. For one, most bugs and insects develop an immunity to pesticides after a while and come back with a vengeance, bringing more of their friends with them in the process.
If despite your best efforts you find that the bugs still lord it over your homes, then you know it's time to take drastic measures - calling in the professionals. However, as much as you will be tempted to go for the nearest pest control company that also happens to charge the cheapest rates, think again.
You need your pest problems resolved permanently so you need to make sure the company does a good job so here are things that you need to know before you hire a pest control company, there are things you need to know to make sure they will be worth your time and money and most of all, to make sure they will be able to protect your home and keep it from being invaded by pests anytime in the future.
First off, the company needs to be licensed. Most pest control companies are issued licenses by state or local agencies and you need to check as well if their licenses are updated. Also, check if the company is bonded, which means that they should be able to reimburse you for any loss or damage their technicians may cause while treating your home.
To verify this information, you can call your state pesticide agency to find out about your state's certification policies. Another thing you may want to check for is if the company has a city license which is additional proof of their reliability and responsibility.
You should also not settle for anything less when it comes to discussing treatment options. Any company for example, who advertises their services as "green" should be able to inspect your premises and outline their recommended control program which should include the following information:
- Pests to be controlled
- The severity or extent of the problem
- Ingredients in the pesticide they choose to use
- Potential health risks and symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingredients in the pesticide
- The type of pesticide to be used and how it will be used
- Non-chemical alternatives that are available
- Recommendations for minimizing your pest problems in the future
- Steps to take to reduce your exposure to the pesticides
You may also ask for referrals or ask around from neighbors and friends about the company's reputation or research for the information yourself online. The testimonials and reviews from previous clients will tell you what you need to know or you may also call your state's local pesticide regulatory agency to check if they have received any complaints about the company's services. Knowledge is power, so use it well.
It is also important that you check if the company has insurance because this can protect you significantly should any accidents happen while your home is being treated or if any employee gets hurt or injured during the job. In the same light, the company should also be able to guarantee their work, be skeptical of those who can't. Also, make sure that you do your part of the bargain by checking what may cause the guarantee to become invalid like structural alterations made without prior notice, etc.
Affiliations are also important so you need to check what professional pest control associations the company you want to hire is affiliated with. This tells you how concerned a particular company is about quality since affiliations with these professional associations means they abide by stringent rules in pest control methods, safety training, research and regulations.
When you hire your chosen pest control company, you can request them to use the least toxic chemical method available although they should be able to show you a material safety data sheet that outlines precautionary measures. However, just because they will do the job for you, you will still need to evaluate the results of their work and if you find that it is not to your satisfaction, you can call them back and have them re-treat your home, if necessary.
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