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How to Choose a Reliable Pest Control Company: A Guide

Protecting what we own has always been a top priority for everyone. There are too many things, which want to hurt our homes every day, and protecting them is the most important thing we have to do. The worst thing that could happen to our properties is for them to be infested by some kind of pests. The pests come to our homes looking for food, shelter, and a place to breed and grow a colony. And while they are doing this, they destroy everything we have worked for and hold dear.

This is why getting rid of them should be a top priority for everyone who cares about their possessions. The best way to get rid of the pests on the property is to hire a pest control company to do it for you. They use professional products and traps and will take care of everything for you. But the competition in this field is fierce, so you should be careful when choosing. These tips on what to look for in a pest control exterminator can help you decide.

A Licence

Pest control technicians typically need to obtain a license from their state's regulatory agency in order to operate their business legally. The specific requirements for obtaining a pest control license vary by state but generally include passing an exam and completing a certain amount of training or education in pest control.

In the United Kingdom, businesses and individuals who provide pest control services are required to have a license from the relevant government agency. The specific requirements for obtaining a license can vary depending on the type of pests being controlled and the methods used to control them.

The main body for pest control licensing in the UK is the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), which is an industry trade association that sets standards for training and qualifications for pest control professionals. The BPCA provides various levels of training and qualification, such as level 2 and level 3, depending on the type of pest control and the level of experience required.

In addition to training and qualifications, pest control businesses in the UK must also comply with health and safety regulations, including those related to the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

It is important to note that while a BPCA certificate is a good indication of a competent pest controller, it is not legally required, and there are other professional bodies that provide recognised certifications.

Also, Local authorities have the power to require licenses for certain types of pest control in their area and to investigate complaints about businesses operating without a license.

Variety of Pest Services

Pest control companies offer a variety of services to control and eliminate pests from residential and commercial properties. Some standard services include:

  1. Inspection: Pest control companies will inspect the property to identify the type of pests present and determine the best course of action for treatment.
  2. Treatment: Pest control companies will use a variety of methods to control and eliminate pests, including the use of chemicals, baits, and traps.
  3. Exclusion: Pest control companies will seal off entry points to prevent pests from entering the property in the future.
  4. Prevention: Pest control companies will provide recommendations to the property owner on how to reduce the likelihood of future pest infestations.
  5. Wildlife Control: For example, if you have raccoons, squirrels or birds in your attic, they can provide humane removal of the wildlife and exclusion work to prevent them from coming back.

Recommendations from Clients

The best way to find out if the contractor you have chosen is good is to check the opinions of other people who have already used the same services. You can find such recommendations very quickly on the Internet. Just type the company's name into a search engine, and read what it says. Many people use this method to determine if a pest controller is suitable. You can also ask your friends and colleagues if they have ever used an exterminator of this kind. It's always good to have more than one opinion.

Pesticide Use

Pesticide use by pest control companies is regulated by the government to protect human health and the environment. The specific rules and regulations for pesticide use vary by country and state, but some common elements include the following:

  • Pesticides can only be applied by licensed professionals who have received proper training and certification.
  • Pesticides can only be used for the purpose for which they are labelled and registered with the relevant government agency.
  • Pesticides must be used in accordance with the label instructions, which specify the target pests, the approved methods of application, the rates and frequencies of application, and any precautions that must be taken to protect human health and the environment.
  • Pesticides must be stored and handled in a way that complies with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Pesticide application must not cause an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment.
  • Notification to the public or the client of the intended application and of any restriction that might need to be taken before, during or after the application, it can be different from state to state.
  • Records of all pesticide applications must be kept and made available to the relevant government agency upon request.

If pest control companies don't follow these rules, they can face penalties, fines, or lose their license to operate.

Professionalism

Also, a very important thing you should look for in a pest control company is a professional attitude. You can see how they treat you, and if they leave a good impression at the end of the meeting, they know how to win a client. And if not – just keep on searching.

Final Thoughts

Pests can cause a lot of damage to your property and, in severe cases, even spread disease. One such example is termites – they can eat away at your home, costing thousands of dollars in repairs. The best way to prevent this is by finding a pest control company that you can trust. The company you are looking for needs to contain the proper credentials to operate. We hope our guide will help you with this important choice.