Every home has a pest problem from time to time. Some problems can be solved by you with simple prevention measures such as:

• Repairing screens and openings under doors
• Discarding debris and cleaning food and water spills
• Sealing cracks and crevices where pests can enter

Eliminating food, water and a place for pests to hide are parts of an "integrated pest management" (IPM) strategy. IPM is a method that uses a variety of strategies including: exclusion, sanitation, biological control, careful monitoring, and if appropriate, the application of pesticides.

If you have a pest problem you cannot resolve yourself, you may want to call a professional. Professional pest control specialists can take care of infestations of rodents, insects such as termites, roaches and ants; and, other nuisance pests.

How do you choose a pest control company, and how can you be sure they will do a good job?

Here are some helpful hints to keep in mind as you look for the right company and the right pest control method to resolve your pest problem.

When choosing or interviewing a pest control company:

• Ask friends, neighbors or coworkers for recommendations.
• Don't depend solely on advertising or a sales pitch to judge a company's record. Ask for references.
• Is there a guarantee for their work? Take time to understand the company's recommendations for control, any potential health concerns with the treatment options, and discuss any questions you may have.
• Ask how long it will take to solve your pest problem, and how often the company will return to do more work or to track results. Ask the company what other measures they can take to manage the pest problems, or what you can do to reduce future pest problems.
• How does the company keep its staff updated on new techniques, regulations and requirements? Professional organizations and associations tend to keep their members updated.
• Are there any unresolved complaints against the company? Call the Better Business Bureau, the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General, or the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

If you choose to use a pesticide...

Some companies may use pesticides, along with other control measures. Here are some things you need to know about companies that apply pesticides:

• Is the company licensed? In Michigan, pest control companies that apply pesticides must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
• Does the company have insurance? Michigan law requires that pest control companies carry liability insurance to protect you in case of an accident, and workers compensation insurance to protect you if a worker is injured.
• Is the applicator certified or registered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture? In order to apply pesticides commercially, a person must be a certified or registered technician. Individuals gain certification by taking a special state test. Ask to see the applicator's certification or registration credential and check the expiration date.
• Regulation 637 requires written information about the pesticide application being provided to the customer no later than the time of the application, including:

1. The names, address, telephone number of the firm providing the service.
2. Full name of the applicator.
3. A general description of the target pest(s) to be controlled (including the common name of the active ingredient).
4. The time and date of the application.
5. Any precautionary warnings.

Ask about special precautions for reentry into the home or use of the area where pesticides were applied.

If you choose not to use pesticides ...

Some companies use pest management procedures such as biological control, mechanical exclusion, trapping or other methods. Here are some things you need to know about these companies:

• Ask for references from customers and information about the company's expertise and experience using their recommended approach.
• Request written information about your target pest(s) and the management procedures to be used.

Choosing a quality pest control company is an important decision. You want the company to solve your pest problem, but you also want to keep your home safe.

Get estimates from several companies and compare the costs, services or products or techniques they will use, and choose the best price for the services provided.

If you have questions about pest control and pest control companies, contact these agencies:

• Better Business Bureau
  Southfield, MI
  (248) 644-9100
  info@detroit.bbb.org
  
  
• Michigan Consumer Protection Office
  Office of the Attorney General
  Lansing, MI
  
  
• MSU Extension
  Pesticide Safety Education
  
  
• MSU Center for Integrative Toxicology
  East Lansing, MI
  
  
• Michigan Department of Agriculture
  Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division
  (517) 373-1087