Summer is typically the height of pesky insect season and more pest control companies are adopting environmentally friendly practices.

If you are concerned about safe alternatives to pest control, there are companies who can solve pest problems without the use of chemicals.

Angie's List, the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies including pest control and exterminating, consulted with its highly rated companies on eco-friendly pest control.

Green alternatives to pest control:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which are endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). IPM programs use information on life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment in combination with available pest control methods to manage pest damage with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.
• Some companies tell Angie's List they use outdoor baits to attract pests away from the home or seal off areas.
• With more natural products available, costs for these products are coming down. However, homeowners need to understand that these products may take longer to work and the effectiveness diminishes more rapidly than chemical pesticides.
• It's important homeowners interested in green pest control alternatives ask the pest control company about the ingredients being used in the products.

Angie’s List for hiring a pest control company:

• Do your homework: Check Angie’s List for reviews on local pest control companies. Ask how long they have been in business and if they are members of any pest management associations. It’s a good idea to get three estimates.
• Check licensing: Ask to see licensing and other credentials before hiring. Federal law requires that contractors who apply restricted pesticides be certified. In most states, the regulatory agency for pest control companies is the State Department of Agriculture.
• Ask about pest control methods: Make sure you understand the problem, what pests you have, and the way the exterminator/pest control professional is planning to get rid of the pest.
• Understand the contract: Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you understand all the details include the extent of the problem and the method the company will use to treat the issue.
• Make sure you are clear on the guarantee/warranty offered: How long it lasts, whether it includes follow-up visits from the contractor, as well as what ongoing prevention you, as the homeowner, will have to do.

Angie's List pest control prevention tips:

• Maintain your home: There are also easy ways homeowners can avoid a pest or insect problem, by simply keeping up on basic maintenance, like keeping your yard mowed and weeded, and repairing plumbing leaks.
• Seal it up: Seal cracks in your exterior to keep pests like ants, spiders and cockroaches from getting inside. Be sure all doors and windows are properly sealed with tight-fitting screens and weather stripping.
• Remove standing water outside the home: An area with standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Keep it dry: Basements, crawl spaces and attics should be well ventilated and dry.
• Remove any structural damage, such as moisture-damaged wood, from your home: Weak spots can quickly turn into entry points for insects and animals.
• Do not leave food out: Don’t leave food sitting out and don’t allow pet food to sit out overnight, inside or outside.
• Remove any piles of debris, brick, wood, stone, etc., from around your home: They serve as harborage for pests, especially rodents.

For more information on organic pest control, watch this video.