A homeowner can often control household pests through a combination of preventive measures, including proper sanitation and over-the-counter pesticides. However, some pest infestations may be extensive or a particular pest may be difficult to control, requiring the services of a pest control operator (PCO). Selecting a PCO should be like choosing any other service: look at value for the dollar spent. When you are using pesticides, cost should not be the only factor that determines which PCO you use. It is important to ensure that the PCO chosen is competent because both health and property can be damaged through the misuse of pesticides. Before contracting with a PCO, consider the following:

Take Your Time

When most people discover a pest problem, they want the pest eliminated immediately. However, most pest problems can wait a few days so you have time to select a competent, reasonably-priced PCO. It is wise to obtain estimates from at least two PCOs; many will provide free estimates.

Purchase Pest Control Services from a Competent Firm

To help in the selection of a pest control service, ask the following questions:

• Will the person performing the services be licensed? Each individual who handles pesticides must be licensed by NMDA and should show you his or her license.
• Would you provide me with a list of references? Contact several references to find out if they are satisfied with the service provided by the PCO.
• How many years have you been in business at your present location? Contact NMDA and other organizations like the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office to determine if complaints have been filed against the PCO and determine the status of the complaints.
• Are you a member of the New Mexico Pest Management Association? This organization promotes professionalism and training in the pest control industry.
• Would you provide me with copies of labels for all pesticides that will be used? Pesticide labels will indicate how the product should be applied and what precautions must be taken.

Beware of Firms or Individuals that . . .

• Want to do pest control as part of a package deal -- such as, general home repair, tree trimming -- or will give you a special price if treatment is done immediately.
• Do not have a listed or working telephone number.
• Arrive unexpectedly and show you insects they have found in your neighbor's house as evidence of a neighborhood pest problem.
• Sell services door-to-door. If you purchase something over $25 away from the seller's place of business you have the right to cancel the purchase within 3 days.
• Quote a per gallon price. Termite control jobs can require several hundred gallons of dilute insecticide.
• Claim to have a special "secret" formula. Secret formulas are illegal. All products used for pest control must be registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.
• Try to panic you into immediately signing a contract by suggesting your house is structurally unsound.
• Target the elderly or infirm people who are living alone.
• Claim to have excess material left from a previous job and offer a reduced price for immediate treatment.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Know the Terms of Service Contracts

Some PCOs offer service contracts in which structures are routinely treated for a particular pest. These contracts may be necessary in some situations, such as a warehouse constantly receiving cartons that may contain cockroaches. In general, routine applications of pesticides are not a good idea unless there is a constant infestation by a pest and nonchemical methods have failed to control the pest. Service contracts for the homeowner should include periodic inspections, but pesticides should not be applied unless the pests are actually present.

It is customary for termite control work to be guaranteed from one to five years. Make sure you know exactly what the guarantee covers and determine if there is a yearly inspection charge. In addition, find out if the PCO is responsible for structural damage if the treatment fails to control the termite infestation. Remember, the guarantee is only as reliable as the company that offers it.

Do Your Part

The PCO may ask you to do certain things before, during or after the pesticide application. If the PCO asks you to remove personal items from the floor or empty kitchen cabinets, make sure you have this done before they arrive. Do not allow children or pets into areas treated with pesticide sprays until the spray has dried. Aquariums should be removed from the treatment site or covered with heavy plastic and the air pump turned off. If the PCO suggests nonchemical methods of pest control in addition to the pesticides, be sure to follow the instructions. Good cooperation between the homeowner and the PCO will help eliminate pests and reduce the use of pesticides.

Useful Links

NM Pest Management Association

Better Business Bureau

NM Attorney General's Office