Many pest problems can be controlled by the homeowner using a combination of preventative measures, good sanitation and general‐use pesticides. Occasionally, a pest problem becomes too large or too complex and homeowners elect to seek outside pest control assistance by hiring a pest control professional.
Choose a reliable pest control company to do a good job
Has the pest been positively identified by an expert? Without proper identification of the nuisance insect or critter, it is difficult to
develop an effective control strategy.
Is the problem bad enough or big enough that the use of a pesticide is justified? With the help of pest control each pest infestation must
be evaluated separately to determine if the size of the problem requires use of pesticides.
Are there other, nonchemical means to control the pest? A cultural practice or use a method to exclude the pest?These questions,are a determining
factor in assistance of a professional pest control operator, how do you go about finding and hiring one?How to hire a reputable pest control operator
Most pesticide problems are not so time‐sensitive that taking a little time to shop around for a pest control company. Ask your neighbors, friends
and coworkers if they have used a pest control company with successful results.
In the state of washington, only individuals with a “ Pest Conrol License” may apply pesticides for hire. There is a difference between certified and
licensed applicators. If an individual is certified they may not apply pesticides for hire unless they work for a licensed pest control company under the
supervision of a licensed applicator. Ask any pesticide applicator you plan to hire if they are licensed. Ask to see a copy of the license and check to make
sure it is up‐to‐date. A pest control license will always have a photo I.D. of the licensee, similar to a driver’s license.
If you have a specific company in mind, you can call the washington Department of Agriculture (WDOA) for information. The WDOA cannot give recommendations,
but if the company is licensed. Checking the reputation of a business with the local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.
Seek estimates from several companies. In addition to providing a written estimate of cost,are the company representatives willing to take the time to explain
possible alternatives,recommended actions and suggest the best way to achieve control of the pest infestation? using the least‐toxic product available to control
the specific pest?
The University of Washington, seattle is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation in any program or activity it conducts.
Ask each company to provide references, any professional organization affilations and proof of insurance.
Does the company offer a guarantee? What exactly is covered by the guarantee?
Ask the company what training their employees receive and how often they receive training. How much experience do the exterminators have?
Ask each company to discuss Integrated Pest Management (IPM) options for your infestation. IPM control methods may involve the use of monitoring devices, insect
growth regulators,sanitation, cultural practices, trapping or other physical measures to avoid or reduce pest problems.
A competent company will outline a pest control program that identifies the pests to be controlled, the extent of the infestation, the pesticides they intend to use,
and the steps you can take to minimize future infestations. Avoid a company that engages in the following:
Treatments that include the use of “secret” chemicals. All pesticides must be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Treatments that are marketed as "special discounts" if the work is done immediately.
Special deals or other high‐pressure sales tactics, getting what pay for, and the lowest cost may not be the best deal in the long run.
Pesticide applications on a fixed schedule.Pesticide applications should be done thoughtfully and only after a complete inspection.Unnecessary or excessive applications
of pesticides can lead to unnecessary pesticide exposure to humans, pets and the environment.
A pesticide application should only occur after a thorough inspection of your property or infestation.
A pest control written estimate of costs, is a pro active way to do business
What pesticides will they apply? Ask for copies of the pesticide labels,A record of what was applied. If the pest control company has selected the least toxic product
available to control a particular pest problem.
How will the pesticides be applied?
When will the pesticides be applied? Is this the most effective application time considering the growth stage of the particular pest?
How to prepare for a pesticide application? This may involve removing pets and other domestic animals, turning off sprinklers, furnace, removing all foodstuffs from the
kitchen, or finding temporary lodgings.
How long to stay out of the area after the pesticide application has occurred? How long should the pets kept away from the application site?
Is there a drying time or ventilation time required? Will there be lingering odors? Will cleanup of pesticide residues be required?
How soon can the property owner or tenant expect to see results?
Will repeat treatments be necessary? How will or the pest control company determine the need for additional treatments?
If the property owner determines that a licensed pest control company is required to help control a pest on the property, these tips will help maximize the results and minimize the potential for additional stress.
develop an effective control strategy.
Is the problem bad enough or big enough that the use of a pesticide is justified? With the help of pest control each pest infestation must
be evaluated separately to determine if the size of the problem requires use of pesticides.
Are there other, nonchemical means to control the pest? A cultural practice or use a method to exclude the pest?These questions,are a determining
factor in assistance of a professional pest control operator, how do you go about finding and hiring one?How to hire a reputable pest control operator
Most pesticide problems are not so time‐sensitive that taking a little time to shop around for a pest control company. Ask your neighbors, friends
and coworkers if they have used a pest control company with successful results.
In the state of washington, only individuals with a “ Pest Conrol License” may apply pesticides for hire. There is a difference between certified and
licensed applicators. If an individual is certified they may not apply pesticides for hire unless they work for a licensed pest control company under the
supervision of a licensed applicator. Ask any pesticide applicator you plan to hire if they are licensed. Ask to see a copy of the license and check to make
sure it is up‐to‐date. A pest control license will always have a photo I.D. of the licensee, similar to a driver’s license.
If you have a specific company in mind, you can call the washington Department of Agriculture (WDOA) for information. The WDOA cannot give recommendations,
but if the company is licensed. Checking the reputation of a business with the local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.
Seek estimates from several companies. In addition to providing a written estimate of cost,are the company representatives willing to take the time to explain
possible alternatives,recommended actions and suggest the best way to achieve control of the pest infestation? using the least‐toxic product available to control
the specific pest?
The University of Washington, seattle is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation in any program or activity it conducts.
Ask each company to provide references, any professional organization affilations and proof of insurance.
Does the company offer a guarantee? What exactly is covered by the guarantee?
Ask the company what training their employees receive and how often they receive training. How much experience do the exterminators have?
Ask each company to discuss Integrated Pest Management (IPM) options for your infestation. IPM control methods may involve the use of monitoring devices, insect
growth regulators,sanitation, cultural practices, trapping or other physical measures to avoid or reduce pest problems.
A competent company will outline a pest control program that identifies the pests to be controlled, the extent of the infestation, the pesticides they intend to use,
and the steps you can take to minimize future infestations. Avoid a company that engages in the following:
Treatments that include the use of “secret” chemicals. All pesticides must be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Treatments that are marketed as "special discounts" if the work is done immediately.
Special deals or other high‐pressure sales tactics, getting what pay for, and the lowest cost may not be the best deal in the long run.
Pesticide applications on a fixed schedule.Pesticide applications should be done thoughtfully and only after a complete inspection.Unnecessary or excessive applications
of pesticides can lead to unnecessary pesticide exposure to humans, pets and the environment.
A pesticide application should only occur after a thorough inspection of your property or infestation.
A pest control written estimate of costs, is a pro active way to do business
What pesticides will they apply? Ask for copies of the pesticide labels,A record of what was applied. If the pest control company has selected the least toxic product
available to control a particular pest problem.
How will the pesticides be applied?
When will the pesticides be applied? Is this the most effective application time considering the growth stage of the particular pest?
How to prepare for a pesticide application? This may involve removing pets and other domestic animals, turning off sprinklers, furnace, removing all foodstuffs from the
kitchen, or finding temporary lodgings.
How long to stay out of the area after the pesticide application has occurred? How long should the pets kept away from the application site?
Is there a drying time or ventilation time required? Will there be lingering odors? Will cleanup of pesticide residues be required?
How soon can the property owner or tenant expect to see results?
Will repeat treatments be necessary? How will or the pest control company determine the need for additional treatments?
If the property owner determines that a licensed pest control company is required to help control a pest on the property, these tips will help maximize the results and minimize the potential for additional stress.
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