Pest Control companies: How to Choose the One for You

For many of us, our home is our biggest investment, which is why it is so important to choose a pest control company you can trust. Recently, I had an opportunity to interview Ron Harrison, Ph.D., Technical Director at Orkin, Inc.

He revealed some helpful tips on both protecting homes from pests and choosing a qualified pest control specialist to deal with the ones that get through.

How do I know if I'm choosing the right pest control company?

"Before hiring a pest professional, you need to confirm if he or she works for a licensed pest control company that has a solid reputation for effective pest management and guarantees its service," Dr. Harrison said. "The pest control professional also should be trained on the latest technologies, techniques and products for treating pests."

Many pest control companies offer free, on-site inspections before providing quotes for treatment (pest control companies can also offer information over the phone).

"A walk-through inspection is a great way for you to see how the professional works, and learn a few tips on how you can help keep pests out of your home."

Pest Control Services

(Why is a pest control professional a better option than do it yourself pest control?)

"Pest experts are knowledgeable about pest identification and biology, treatment options and state regulations, and construction and home building," Dr. Harrison tells me. "This knowledge base helps experts identify and reduce conditions that allow pests to thrive around your home."

Dr. Harrison says that qualified pest control services and professionals are licensed by each state, which designates pest control professionals based on training received, experience and credentials.

"Some pest professionals are also members of state or national industry associations, such as the National Pest Management Association抯 QualityPro program, which have rigorous qualifications regarding training, licensing and professionalism," he says. "All of these credentials, training and expertise will help you determine if you have hired a qualified professional."

According to Dr. Harrison, training and expertise are two key characteristics that set apart the qualified pest control service from the rest of the pack. He says a qualified pest control professional also has both the professional and interpersonal skills to identify a pest issue effectively and communicate to you the steps needed to handle that issue.

Dr. Harrison says pest control professionals are trained to provide effective treatment that can help control pest activity in and around your home ?and in turn, reduce the health risks associated with pests.

"While there are some simple steps homeowners can take to help control or prevent pest activity around their homes, " he says, "pest professionals have the training, experience and tools that can more effectively reduce and control pest activity.

According to Dr. Harrison, pest control services have professionals who are trained to identify the difference between ants, termites and beetles ?all pests that can structurally damage homes and are often misidentified by homeowners.

If you think your home may be infested, consider getting a free on-site inspection from one of the many pest control companies that offer them.