Do you have ants in your home? Ants are perhaps the most common and bothersome pests in homes throughout the United States -- and no matter what you do, infestations can quickly occur. Making matters worse is that ants can be difficult to get rid of. You can try sprays, ant baits and traps, but unless you kill the hive they'll just regroup and return. Also, with so many types of ants -- such as carpenter ants, moisture ants, sugar ants and pavement ants -- choosing the best pest control product can be difficult. In these cases, where simple sprays and ant baits fail, professional exterminators are the best options for getting rid of ant infestations. With so many extermination companies available to hire, it can be overwhelming to know how to choose one. To help determine which ant exterminator to hire, ask the following questions.
A reputable pest control company will always conduct a thorough inspection before beginning any treatment plan. An inspection reveals what types of ants are present, whether their colony is indoors or outdoors, and the best way to eradicate the problem. Inspection results dictate treatment plans, which often include indoor and outdoor treatments and sealing entry points to prevent future access.
Legally, every pest control company must have at least one certified, licensed commercial pesticide applicator employed. In addition, any licensed technicians work under the guidance of the licensed commercial pesticide applicator. When in doubt, licenses can be verified by contacting your State Departments of Agriculture.
Reliable technicians should always be able to display their credentials. In addition, a reputable technician will be able to provide the following information: copies of the labels for any pesticides used, information regarding how the product will be applied, and any and all warnings.
Because potent pesticides are utilized, a technician should be able to relay any safety warnings, including how the treatments may affect children or pets. Some companies recommend keeping pets away from treated areas until the spray has completely dried. If hiring a company for the first time, check online reviews to weed out companies with poor implementation of safety protocols.
Be wary of any pest control company that claims to be endorsed to treat ants by the EPA. Government agencies, including the EPA and State Department of Agriculture, do not endorse any specific company, treatment plan, or ant pesticide products.
The best national companies, including Orkin and Terminix, stand behind their treatment plans with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For instance, if the ant problem is not solved, an Orkin service technician will come back between scheduled visits to make sure all pests are removed. Likewise, Terminix promises to return for treatments until the pests are gone.
The best companies have plans to periodically monitor and manage ant problems. Terminix offers a year-long plan, which includes six treatments to treat the exterior of your home to ensure that the ant infestation does not resurface. Similarly, Orkin also manages ant problems with year-round monitoring; during a yearly routine inspection, an Orkin service technician will also check for any additional pests.
There are advantages to hiring nationally-recognized companies such as Orkin and Terminix. Both of which have A+ ratings by the BBB. National companies are known for continually keeping up with the latest research and the most up-to-date tools, which ensures that clients receive the best service. Since 2003, Orkin's training problem has been recognized in Training magazine's Top 125 list.