Last Updated on July 13, 2024 by Asfa Rasheed
At least 900,000 living insect species call Earth home. You might think that’s a lot, but some scientists believe it could be up to 30 million! Either way, most of those insects are beneficial or benign, meaning they’re harmless.
Unfortunately, approximately 1% are pests. They destroy crops, forests, and property, while many others bring diseases.
So, if pests have invaded your home, it’s best to hire a pest control company ASAP.
This guide covers the top strategies for choosing the best pest control service near you, so be sure to read on.
Table of Contents
Ensure They Handle Whatever Bugs You
Aside from insects, other species, such as rodents, also bring destruction and disease. For example, rats alone cost the United States $19 billion in damages, losses, and control. After all, they contaminate food, destroy property, transmit diseases, and harm other animals.
Worse, rats can also co-exist with other types of pests, such as mice, ants, fleas, and roaches, to name a few. All these pestiferous species, in turn, can cohabitate with you.
Thus, it’s vital to choose a provider of pest control services that can deal with all the species bugging you. You can confirm by checking their service page; it should list all pests they handle.
If you’re unsure which pests you have, make sure the company offers free inspections. That way, they can come to your home and identify the species you have at no cost to you.
Work With an NPMA Member
NPMA stands for National Pest Management Association. It’s a non-profit organization protecting the public by disseminating pest-related resources. Moreover, it encourages members to embrace the use of minimum-risk pest control strategies.
In addition, NPMA members undertake world-class pest control-related education. That includes learning about effective products that won’t harm non-target animal species. Without such education, applicants won’t get certified.
Thus, NPMA certification is the gold standard in the pest control industry.
That’s why it’s best to choose a local pest control service holding NPMA membership. That way, you can rest assured you’re working with highly-trained experts.
Choose a Company Specializing in IPM
IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management. It’s a method combining various economic pest control strategies instead of only pesticides. It does include chemical control, but usually as a last resort.
For instance, IPM specialists first check your property to confirm you have pests. They then correctly identify the species using their vast knowledge of local species. From there, they use the most appropriate pest control services for what’s bugging you.
An IPM method they may use is biological control, which uses the pests’ natural enemies. They may also recommend habitat manipulation, such as caulking cracks and installing screens. In addition, they may use baits and traps, such as those for roaches and rodents.
IPM experts will only use chemicals if those methods aren’t enough to control the pests.
Hire the Best Pest Control Company
Always remember that many pests can spread or trigger serious, even deadly diseases. That includes ticks, rodents, and mosquitoes, to name a few.
For that reason, never delay hiring the best pest control company in your area. On the contrary, the sooner you book their services, the sooner they can get rid of what’s bugging you.
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