Consumer Tips

How to Select a  Pest Control Service

If you have a pest control problem, either at home or at work, you should consider a professional pest control operator to solve it.

A qualified pest control operator has special training, experience and the tools to assure protection against destructive insects, birds and rodents. More important, the professional knows the proper, safe methods of selecting and applying protective chemicals, something you may not learn at the local hardware store or large retailer.

The Florida Pest Management Association, in conjunction with the National Pest Control Association suggest some guidelines to follow in selecting a pest control service.

• Ask your neighbors and friends. It's quite likely that someone you know has encountered a pest problem before and has a reputable firm to recommend. Inquire about the type of pest problem and how satisfied they were with the service. 
• Check the company's professional affiliations. Membership in the Florida Pest Management Association is a good indication that the company has access to modern technical information and has pledged to follow the strict code of ethics. 
• Reach a complete understanding with the company before work starts. Find out what the pest problem is and how it will be treated. It might be a good idea to get the treatment plan and period in writing as well as what you can expect as a result. 
• Read the guarantee. Many companies offer them. But there are limitations. So be sure you fully understand what the company is offering. 
• Buy value, not price. What appears to be a real bargain may need a second look. A higher price may come with better service or more frequent visits. Check it out; apples to apples. 

Pest management plays a major role in living healthier, more comfortable lives. The pest management professional relies on pesticide application as just one part of a total pest management program. The untrained consumer who purchases an over-the-counter pesticide can only make an intuitive judgment on proper application. The professional pest management technician relies on training, expertise and more sophisticated techniques to apply pesticides in an environmentally conscientious manner.

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