Monday, January 30, 2006
Useful Tips When Looking For Pest Control Exterminators
Toxic pesticides are often used to kill termites and other damaging insects. Some pesticides can have many damaging effects on humans and especially children. This article from a home safety expert has some good tips about what to look for when hiring a pest control company to avoid any potential harm to children.
The first tip is to look for companies that practice integrated pest management which doesn't rely solely on pesticides but also uses many other non-pesticide techniques for both prevention and control. When pesticides must be used, request to see the label of any product being used.
The other tips help ensure that the pest control operator is properly licensed and experienced. These include asking for their state license number, certification number and certificate of insurance. Also, be sure to inquire about the operator's experience in dealing with the insects that you have. For example exterminators use to dealing with subterranean termites may not be familar with the best treatments for drywood termites. Asking for references and checking them out can help with this.
In addition to preventing harm to children, pesticide-free practices can also prevent harm to pets.
Pesticides are not the only thing to worry about. As I mentioned in this previous post, treated wood can also be dangerous especially to children. Some treated wood may contain arsenic which can leach out.
The first tip is to look for companies that practice integrated pest management which doesn't rely solely on pesticides but also uses many other non-pesticide techniques for both prevention and control. When pesticides must be used, request to see the label of any product being used.
The other tips help ensure that the pest control operator is properly licensed and experienced. These include asking for their state license number, certification number and certificate of insurance. Also, be sure to inquire about the operator's experience in dealing with the insects that you have. For example exterminators use to dealing with subterranean termites may not be familar with the best treatments for drywood termites. Asking for references and checking them out can help with this.
In addition to preventing harm to children, pesticide-free practices can also prevent harm to pets.
Pesticides are not the only thing to worry about. As I mentioned in this previous post, treated wood can also be dangerous especially to children. Some treated wood may contain arsenic which can leach out.
# posted by Ken @ 5:03 PM 
