Tips for choosing the right pest control company

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tamra Reall, a field specialist in horticulture with University of Missouri Extension, emphasizes the importance of choosing a pest control company with the same care you would use for any other service: by considering quality, convenience and value.

She notes that reputable companies share a commitment to environmental stewardship and view pesticides as only one part of a broader decision-making process. In integrated pest management, prevention and exclusion come first. “The safest pesticide is the one you don’t need because prevention and exclusion solved the problem instead,” Reall says. “Pesticides are a tool, not the plan, and rarely the first step.”

Because pesticides are toxic and may pose health or environmental risks if misused, some products present greater hazards than others. To determine what best fits your needs, contact your local MU Extension center.

When evaluating a company, ask whether representatives will accurately identify the problem before recommending treatment. A preferred company will prioritize correct diagnosis and discuss nonchemical alternatives. Since both insect and plant disease issues often result from long-term conditions, seek strategies that address root causes, not just symptoms.

Reall advises confirming that both the applicator and the company are properly licensed; ask for proof. Determine whether employees are bonded, meaning the company would reimburse you for losses or damages caused by workers. Choose an established business that can provide references. Ask the company to use the least toxic, most targeted effective method and to show you product labels with precautionary warnings.

Reputable companies readily provide copies of licenses and proof of insurance. “Don’t be afraid to ask for proper credentials before letting someone into your home,” Reall says.

Reall recommends requesting two to three written estimates from reputable companies. Prices, treatment approaches and the number of applications included can vary, and comparing quotes helps consumers assess both cost and value.

Avoid door-to-door and high-pressure sales tactics, including salespeople claiming to have a “secret formula,” she says. All pesticide products must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the USDA. Do not sign long-term, high-cost contracts under pressure, and always request a written guarantee.

Once a need for treatment is established, request a written program that clearly outlines:

• Pests to be controlled.
• Extent of the problem.
• Active ingredients in the pesticides.
• Possible adverse health effects.
• How and when pesticides will be applied.
• Any special instructions, such as items to remove from your home and re-entry times.
• Proof of licensing, treatment terms, payment details and guarantees.

MU Extension horticulturists and agronomists provide guidance on safe pesticide use and best practices in integrated pest management. The MU Extension pesticide safety education program trains approximately 1,000 commercial applicators each year. Based on EPA and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates, the program saves Missouri an estimated $10 million-$17 million annually across agricultural, landscape and structural fields.