How to Choose a Pest Control Company

How to Choose a Pest Control Company

With so many exterminators to choose from, it can be overwhelming for a business or homeowner to determine which company is the best option. Here are a few things to look for when considering which pest control company is right for you:

1. Multiple Service Options

Does the pest control company offer multiple services for pests, termites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, wildlife, and other household pests? As temperatures and weather conditions change throughout the year, it’s likely that you’ll encounter several different pests at different times. Having an exterminating company that can handle all of your pest needs will save you time AND money. Most often, the pest company can handle multiple service requests during one appointment, send you one bill for all services, that’s usually at a discounted rate (bundle services and SAVE!).

2. Green, Eco-friendly Services

Is the environment and your family & pets a concern for you when considering exterminators? Most likely it is, and should be. Pest control companies today should offer green alternatives to traditional services – like green pest control, green termite control, and green mosquito control. With advancements in technology, green services are just as effective as traditional services if applied correctly and will give you peace of mind, knowing family and pets are not at risk. It’s also not a bad idea to ask for a list of products used. Some exterminating companies claim to offer “green” pest control, but are only using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach – which utilizes less product to target specific pests – but not always with eco-friendly pest control products.

3. A Positive Reputation

Most pest control companies, like other services companies, will have customer reviews online or a word-of-mouth reputation. Use caution if a company has no reviews or if you’ve never heard of them; they may be newly established with less industry experience.

4. Years in Business

Because there is so much competition in the pest industry, some newer start-up companies won’t stay in business. While they may offer cheaper prices up-front, your warranty could be compromised, OR they could close their doors without fulfilling their agreement. It’s best to choose a company that’s been around for awhile, that has proven, effective pest control methods, offers highly-trained technicians, and that stands behind their warranties.

Hornets

Hornets are wasps that are closely related to, but not to be confused with yellow jackets. In all, there are about 20 hornet species worldwide, but the primary hornet in North America is the European hornet. Just like other social wasps, hornets create their nests from chewing wood into a papery pulp to raise their eggs to adults.

European hornet

You’ll tend to see hornet activity during warmer weather because hornet nests get abandoned in the winter. During this time, they’ll hide under tree bark or even inside human dwellings in order to protect themselves and their eggs. When spring hits, the surviving queens crate a new nest and this is when they become quite an issue for homeowners.

Their threat to homeowners is in their sting, as they use it to kill prey and defend their hives. Unlike bees, hornets can sting multiple times as they do not die after stinging. The toxicity of their sting depends on their species, but the Asian giant hornet is the most venomous. People must be very careful because as social wasps, hornets can mobilize the entire nest to sting in defense, creating a highly dangerous situation. Furthermore, it’s better to call an exterminating company to eliminate the entire hive. This is because if hornets are killed near their hive, their bodies may release a pheromone which can cause other hornets to attack.

Asian giant hornet

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornet

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/hornet/

Trust A Professional – Video

The National Pest Management Association has a short video explaining why is best to trust the professionals when it comes to keeping pests out of your home.  It helps explain why pests can be bad for your home and family, the damage they can do, why it’s better than DIY options, and why more isn’t always better!

If you are looking for an experienced pest company in your area…look no further.  Northwest Exterminating has locations in Georgia and Tennessee that are in prime locations to treat homes and businesses across Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina.

Call us today if you would like more information on our professional exterminating services.  888.466.7849

Pin It on Pinterest

Call Now Button