That means ensuring it has the proper licenses and certifications to apply pesticides, and requires its workers to undergo continual training to stay current on the latest products and safety practices. “Companies should train their staff weekly,” says Jim Donovan, president of Donovan Pest Control, Inc. “It’s imperative, because there’s so much information to know in this industry.”
Mr. Donovan also advises asking how long the company’s staff has been employed. “The level of licensing is contingent on the length of time in the industry,” says Mr. Donovan. “The longer you work in the industry, the more you should know about bugs. Without experience, employees can’t move on to take the state board exams that let them perform identification, supervision, recommending solutions, and so on.”
The person who responds to your initial query should be a good indication of the quality of the company you’re considering. “If the person starts with a thorough inspection to identify the exact type of pest, you know you have a good company,” says Mr. Donovan. “Conversely, a person who starts out by applying chemicals will be more interested in charging for services than safely eliminating the pest problem.”
