How to Choose and Work With a Pest Management Professional (PMP)

• Ask your neighbors and friends for referrals.
• Look in the phone book and online for “integrated pest management” services. These companies are more likely to inspect, monitor and make recommendations and repairs.
• Interview companies. Ask for references, including previous customers.
• Make sure the company is licensed with the NewYork State Department of Environmental Conservation. To check, call (718) 482-4994, or visit DEC's Web site.

• Inspect your property before giving you a price quote.
• Give you a written inspection report, and an action plan.
• Base quotes on inspection findings, not flat fees. The cheapest services are rarely the best.
• Make referrals for structural repair, if required.
• Employ qualified, welltrained exterminators.
• Visit often until the job is done.
• Put bait in tamperresistant containers.
• Educate you on how to prevent rats.
• Work with you until rats are gone.

• Walk around with the pest control professional during each visit, and keep track of work.
• Agree on a service plan and cost.
• Followup on referrals and recommendations.

• To look up businesses and individual professionals that have been certified by the NYS DEC to apply pesticides go to DEC’s website on Pesticide Certification and Registration.
• The National Pest Management Association provides a look-up tool for businesses that are members in the New York area.
• Green Shield Certified is an independent certification program that promotes practitioners of effective, prevention-based pest control while minimizing the need to use pesticides.

When the PMP performs a service visit for your property, walk around with them; ask them to perform a thorough inspection and to provide you with a written plan of action and then work with them to enact that plan.  Always supervise their work and follow up on any recommendations. The Health Department recommends using a simple inspection and follow-up action checklist.