So you have pests. Maybe an infestation of mice is chewing through your wires, or you’ve found ants helping themselves to your pantry or even birds in your ducts. Whatever it is, you want them gone NOW.
So, it’s time to find a pest-control service. In your grossed-out panic, you may want to just close your eyes and call the first one you find, but slow down. Don’t panic.
You want this job done right the first time. So, you need pest control services that know what they are doing to help you get your house pest-free as soon as possible.
Firstly, be smart and choose a licensed pest controller!
All pest control providers should have the basic licenses to handle and apply pest control chemicals; this includes both pest control technicians and trainees. If you overlook this important detail, you could be putting your home and health at risk! There are different licensing regulations for pest control according to each state and territory.
Certifications and affiliations are important. Affiliation with the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA), HACCP certification, and PestCert certification are all good signs.
Determine Their Experience
You can usually get a hint about this when you ask for recommendations. When a company has been around awhile, it begins to build a reputation. And a company that has a good enough reputation to last ten or twenty years is probably one that knows their stuff.
Ask for a quote
It is important to be clear on the service that each provider is offering, and get at least 3 quotes. It may be that the lowest quotation is for basic “dusting treatment” with no warranty and no barrier treatment against subsequent infestation. It may also be that the highest quote involves installing bait stations for a colony elimination system, which involves regular inspections and monitoring and therefore is a more expensive service. Take the time to ask the provider exactly what the treatment will entail and ensure you are comparing ‘like with like’.
Ask What They’ll Be Using
Chances are, you won’t be terribly familiar with the chemical names. But you should be able to check the labels and take a look at any warnings or cautionary labels on the chemicals.
Also, beware of any company that either refuses to tell you what they’ll be spraying on your house or claims to have some special formula that makes them better than the competition.
All insecticides have to be approved The Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) who sets standards for pest management industry, & represents professional pest managers across Australia.
Do They Provide Maintenance?
Treating once you find a problem is fine, but it’s more cost-effective and easier to simply prevent pests in the first place.
If you’re pleased with the job the company does as if they provide maintenance packages. This can include spraying your lawn and house annually or bi-annually, checking for potential damage so they can stop it before it spreads, and a certain number of emergency visits.
This kind of care is especially helpful if you live in areas prone to pests like termites or mosquitos.
Using a controlled company that also provides maintenance means you are stopping pest issues before they start, saving you time and money in the long run.
Lastly
Many people don’t realise that they need to do a little bit of work at their home or business before the exterminator comes. In fact, many pest control professionals will refuse to treat a property that has not been properly prepped before their arrival. Lack of preparation can lead to unsuccessful results and re-infestation, so it’s important to:
- Take note of exactly where you’ve seen the pests
- Sweep the floor and vacuum the carpets
- Move Furniture and large appliances away from the walls
- Put all food items away
- Cover cages and aquariums with sheets or towels