How To Choose A Household Pest Control Company

Atlanta Pest Control Licenses Make sure the company providing pest control at your home for you and your loved ones is properly licensed. In the state of Georgia, all Pest Control Companies must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, must have a Designated Certified Operator (DCO) certified in all categories of service provided (HPC-Household Pest Control, WDO-Wood Destroying Organisms, F-Fumigation) and all service technicians (CO) and sales personnel must be registered in the categories they service or sell. DCO’s and CO’s must pass an examination administered by the state to get licensed and registered and must accumulate continuing education hours to maintain their certification. There have been recent documented incidents where unlicensed and unregistered individuals were performing pest control service at homes and applying pesticides inconsistent with rules, regulations and label directions. The company should also have a business licensed in the city where their office is located. Pest Control References Check references. Log on to www.atlanta.bbb.org or call the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what rating the BBB has given the company and if there are any unresolved complaints. Ask the company to provide at least three (3) references of customers who have had their service for a minimum of three years. Ask specifically if they can provide a reference from someone near your home. Pest Control Treatment Methods Ask the company for specific steps they will use in their Atlanta pest control program and specifically, if they use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. IMP utilizes all available control measures and requires homeowner cooperation for maximum effectiveness. Some of the control methods using IPM include sanitation, exclusion and multiple pest management products. At minimum, any treatment program should include a thorough inspection of the premises, determination of the extent of the pest problem and determination of the pests to be controlled before any treatment is done. In addition, the service technician should discuss the active ingredient(s) in the pesticide(s) chosen to use and risk these products present for you, your family and pets. Finally, any available non-chemical alternatives should be discussed and considered.  Ask yourself the following questions: Do the proposed techniques fit my lifestyle? Am I willing to act on suggestions for sanitation and exclusion, if asked? Do I prefer monthly, quarterly or annual service and would outside only service be an option for me? Guarantee Make sure the company will return to your home as many times as necessary between scheduled stops to solve your pest problem and know what you must do to have the company honor it’s guarantee.