How to Select your Pest Control Professional

The Best advice when searching for a Pest Control Professional is to start by looking for a company affiliated with a professional pest control association. Professional associations national, state, or local keep members informed of new developments in pest control methods, safety, training, research, and regulations. Members agree to honor a code of ethics. The fact that a company, small or large, chooses to join a professional association signals its concern for quality. The largest association in Saint Louis Missouri is the "Greater St. Louis Pest Control Association" or the www.stlpestpros.com. This particular Association supports the community with fund raisers supporting our veterans as well as seminars hosting some of the leading entomologists in Missouri. These professionals share knowledge with all the other members in the association. This provides new and changing techniques as well as cutting edge practices that helps maintain a pest free environment with the constantly adapting insects. The small independent companies not affiliated with this organization are not exposed as often to these valuable resources as the members of the associations.

Each year about three-quarters of U.S. households use pesticides. About one in every four households hires a professional, that is, a person employed by a commercial pest management business. It is no longer correct to think of these individuals as the "bug man," as "sprayers," nor even as "pesticide applicators" or "exterminators." Today's pest control, or pest management, is much more than that. A properly trained pest management professional possesses the level of knowledge required to solve your pest problems based on the particular environment and conditions at your home or business.

Today, the concept of IPM – with its emphasis on identification, inspection, and selection of the best methods in each situation – replaces the routine spraying of baseboards and other surfaces. Today, many consumers are not paying for "spraying," nor do they want routine pesticide treatments. While most homeowners do not know what IPM is, most say they would pay more for pest management that controls the pest using less pesticide or no pesticide at all. After all, anyone can spray baseboards, including homeowners. But few people have the knowledge required to control every type of pest in every situation.

 

How do you find a good pest management company?

And once you have one, how can you tell if their service is appropriate?

Some pest management companies advertise their company's longevity. Certainly being in business for 50 years does not necessarily mean the company will manage your pests effectively. Newer companies can have personnel who are just as experienced as those at long-established businesses, just as local companies can have technicians as experienced as those working for national or international companies.

Likewise, you should carefully consider any references a company provides. Almost every company has at least a few satisfied customers. It's better to bank on independent referrals from friends or acquaintances that have contracted the company's service. You also may want to investigate any complaints against the company, filed at your local Consumer Protection Office of the Attorney General.

In the end, the measure of a company is in the quality of its employees -- especially those employees that will be servicing your house. Most pest management companies offer free inspections. This is a good thing. It enables you to call one or more companies to send an "inspector" (often an inspector/salesperson) to inspect your home for pests and for conditions conducive to infestation. A knowledgeable and experienced inspector can provide you with valuable information, not only about pests, but about your home and what you can do to prevent pest infestation.

It's always wise to get a second opinion, so don't hesitate to call two or more companies for free inspections. You'll probably learn a lot, not only about pest management, but also about the quality of each company's personnel and how it operates. This initial in-person contact with a prospective company is very important. Think of it as a doctor's house call, but also as a job interview. Do not hesitate to ask questions. You might learn something, and you will be testing the inspector's knowledge. Take notes if you wish. They can you help later to check the inspector's answers against information from other sources.

Some questions you can ask Pest Control Professional

  • What are the expected results?
  • Reduction or elimination?
  • How long do you think it will take to solve my pest problems?
  • What pesticides will be applied?
  • Can I have copies of their labels?
  • How many of your technicians are certified by the state agency?
  • Will the technician servicing my house be state certified?
  • How much experience does that technician have?
  • Does the company offer a guarantee?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • Can the inspector answer your questions?
  • Did they fully explain everything about the proposed service?

Did the service details seem vague or generic, or specifically designed to solve your pest problems?

  • Also, did the inspector seem to be in a hurry?
  • Did he/she pressure you to act quickly?
Termites, for example, consume wood very slowly, so there is time to make an informed decision. Only in situations where pests pose a threat to human health is there an immediate need for pest control.

Watch and listen. Pay attention to the details.

  • Was the inspector on time?
  • Did he/she appear professional?
  • Was their vehicle clean and in good condition?
  • Was the inspection thorough?
  • Did the inspector check all areas of the house?
  • Did he/she show you and explain their findings?
  • Was he/she familiar with IPM?

Final thoughts when Hiring Pest Control Professionals

Unfortunately, the first thing that influences most consumers deciding on a pest management company is price. As with other types of services, pest management is one where often "you get what you pay for." Yes, you should consider hiring the company that offers the lowest price. It might be the best value. But price should never be the primary factor governing your decision. A low-priced company may not be charging you enough to cover the cost of using the best materials or of spending enough time to get the job done. In contrast, a company quoting a relatively high price may be overcharging for their services. Again it's in your best interest to call several companies and compare.