Yes, it's that time of year all right. You get up in the morning and turn on the lights in your dark kitchen. That's when you see the cockroaches scurrying about, hoping to hide before you spot them. But it's too late. You've seen them, you're repulsed, and whatever illusions you had about a nice breakfast with the family are now over. Those creatures may have just helped themselves to a hearty repast of Raisin Bran in your pantry.

It's time to call the exterminator -- the man who does the job nobody else wants to do. No wonder he makes a decent living at it. Don't just flip open the yellow pages and randomly select someone who can show up immediately, and who can stand the sight of you in curlers. This is a job you want performed only once in a great while, so you want it done right.

It's fine to start with the yellow pages, but look for display ads that advertise exterminators who are both state-certified and board-certified by the National Pest Control Association (yes, there is such an association). These exterminators are on the up-and-up when it comes to doing the job right and doing it safely. After all, they use some pretty potent chemicals to drive off your six-legged friends. Those chemicals, if inhaled by you, your family and your pets, could be hazardous. There's a procedure to be followed and certain safety standards to which certifed exterminators adhere. Many exterminators, in addition to obtaining the NPCA designation, have achieved membership in other local, state and national trade organizations. That means they're committed to ongoing education and training in proper procedures.

If you don't see any ads that state whether or not the exterminators are board-certified, that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't, although it's certainly something worth advertising. So pick up the phone and start making calls. Or, to expedite your search, log on to the NPCA Web site, located at www.pestworld.org (an appropriate name, isn't it?). The site allows you to find the nearest NPCA-certified extermination company in your area. It also has an interactive forum for homeowners, if you'd like to pick the brains of fellow homeowners facing their own buggy dilemmas.

The NPCA recommends that homeowners go with the following criteria when selecting an exterminator:

Published: September 9, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.