Have you found suspicious holes in your framework? Finding mouse poop in with the utensils? Maybe you are trying to grow some prize winning tomatoes, but have an infestation of hornworm, or are finding that every time you go down to the basement there is a string of ants moving back and forth.
If you have these or any other pest problems, you have probably considered calling a pest control company to help deal with the situation. A lot of people will try to get rid of pests on their own first, but quite often this does not solve the problem in the long run. Most pests are prolific and reproduce in hard to reach areas. In this way, they are a lot like weeds; you have to address the problem at it’ root. The problem with pests is that they are living and the “roots” can be hard to find.
A pest control company should help you to address your pest problem right at the source, in such a way that it is unlikely to recur. Most pest control companies and operators are far from the stereotypical image that you may have in mind from pop culture; many are very knowledgeable operators with encyclopaedic references to many different kinds of pest. They can get rid of your pest problem in the shortest possible time and with the least amount of inconvenience to you and your family, but it’s important to know what to look for before you hire someone. Let’s take a quick look at some items to put on your checklist when you’re looking for someone to deal with your pests.
* Integrated pest management. You’ve probably seen something on television or in a movie where there is a pest problem and Bugs B Gone or some other fictitious company moves in and moves the family out for weeks or months to fumigate. Today’s pest control companies are very aware not only of causing the least amount of inconvenience, but also of using the least amount of chemicals to achieve the end. We’ll take a closer look at what integrated pest management is in another article, but for now look for a company that uses this approach as one of their basic methods.
* Guarantees. The very last thing you want is to pay some hard earned dollars and two weeks later find that the very pests that were supposed to have been taken care of are back again. Look for a pest control company that is willing to guarantee in writing that they will continue to work for the stated price until your pest problem is solved.
* Trade associations. Like many companies, there is no binding law governing a pest control company. The best way to make sure a pest control company is reputable is to check if they are members of trade associations; these associations generally have strict standards and will not allow membership from sketchy businesses.
* Flexible contract terms. Finally, check out the fine print between you and the pest control company. Because they involve living beings, pest problems can be tricky. You might find that you need more work done than you bargained for, and you want to make sure to keep the costs down. Good pest control companies will know this up front and it will be reflected in their contract terms.
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