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.
