If you have a pest problem and need to hire someone, first inquire about methods, products and training.

Ask:


•  Do they prioritize non-chemical methods like exclusion, habitat modification and traps?

•  Do they use least toxic products? Examples include OMRI listed or minimum risk (25(b) exempt), diatomaceous earth (DE), insecticidal soaps, borates or boric acid, horticultural oils.

•  Have they positively identified the pest?

•  Have they found where the pest is entering, what is attracting them, where they are hiding and the food and water sources accessible to them?

•  How will they prevent future pest problems?

•  How will they monitor the reduction in pest population?

•  Make sure to check that employees have proper licensing, and training in structural IPM practices.

•  If a product will be used, ask for the product label.


Red flags:


•  Baseboard or perimeter sprays.

•  Scheduled “preventative" treatments.

•  Using anticoagulant rodenticides.

​

Click here to return to Resources for Homeowners