Choosing a Pest Control Company
IFYOU HAVE a pest control problem that you do not
want to handle on your own, you may decide to turn
to a professional applicator. How can you be sure
that the pest control company you hire will do a
good job? Before you choose a company, get
answers to these questions:
I Is the company licensed? Most
state or local agencies issue state pest control
licenses. Make sure the pest control operator's
license is current if one is required in your state.
Also, ask if the company's employees are
bonded, meaning that the company reimburses
you for any loss or damage caused by the
employee.
You may want to contact your state pesticide
agency to find out about its pesticide
certification and training programs and to ask
whether periodic recertification is required for
pest control operators. In addition, possession of
a city license—where they are issued—is one
more assurance that the company you are dealing
with is reputable and responsible.
j Is the company willing and
J able to discuss the treatment proposed for
your home? Selecting a pest control service is
just as important as selecting other professional
services. Look for the same high degree of
competence you would expect from a doctor or
lawyer. Any company, including those advertising
themselves as'' green,'' should inspect your
premises and outline a recommended control
program, including the following:
•Pests to be controlled.
•Extent of the problem.
•Active ingredient(s) in the pesticide chosen.
• Potential adverse health effects and typical
symptoms of poisoning associated with the
active ingredient.
•Form of the pesticide and application
techniques.
• Nonchemical alternatives available.
•Special instructions to reduce your exposure to
the pesticide (such as vacating the house,
emptying the cupboards, and removing pets).
• Steps to take to minimize your pest problems
in the future.
xvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA735-F-05-010
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O Does the company have a good track
record?
Don't rely on the company salesperson to
answer this question. Research the answer
yourself. Ask neighbors and friends if they
have ever dealt with the company. Were they
satisfied with the service they received? Call
your state or local pesticide regulatory
agency or local consumer office and find out
if they have received complaints about the
company.
4 Does the company have appropriate
insurance? Can the salesperson show
proof on pa per that the company is
insured?
Most contractors carry general liability
insurance, including insurance for sudden
and accidental pollution. Their insurance
gives you a certain degree of protection
should an accident occur while pesticides are
being applied in your home. Contractors may
also carry workmen's compensation insur-
ance, which can help protect you should one
of their employees be injured while working in
or around your apartment or house. Although
most states do not require pest control
companies to buy insurance, you should
think twice before hiring a company that is
not insured.
D Does the company guarantee its work?
You should be skeptical about a company
that does not guarantee its work. In addition,
be sure to find out what you must do to keep
your part of the bargain. For example, in the
case of termite control treatments, the
company's guarantee may become invalid if
you make structural alterations to your home
without giving prior notice to the pest control
company.
D Is the company affiliated with a profes-
sional 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.
You and the company of your choice should
develop the contract together.Your safety
concerns should be noted and reflected in
the choice of pesticides to be used. These
concerns may include allergies, sensitivities,
age of occupants (infants or elderly),
resident pets, and treatment near wildlife
and fish. Wise consumers get bids from two
or three companies and look at value more
than price. What appears to be a bargain
may warrant a second look.
If you hire a pest control firm to do the job, ask
the company to use the least toxic chemical
method available that will do the job. Ask to see
the label or Material Safety Data Sheet, which
will show precautionary warnings.
Hiring a company to take care of your pest
problem does not mean your job is over. You
must evaluate the results. If you believe some-
thing has gone wrong with the pesticide
application, contact the company and/or your
state pesticide agency. Be a responsible, wise
consumer and keep asking questions until your
pests are under control.
For additional information on pesticides, visit www.epa.gov/pesticides. To order copies of our publication,
Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety, call 1-800-490-9198. If you have questions about
pesticides, call the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.
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