As homeowners, when we detect a possible bug infestation, our initial reaction is to tackle the problem ourselves.
We might research different bug killers or ask the salesperson at our local hardware or home improvement store to recommend effective pest control products. We buy a product based on a recommendation, read the instructions carefully before applying, and hope for the best.
In a perfect world, this method works every time. Unfortunately, the world in which we live is not perfect. Sometimes stronger measures are needed to get rid of pests for good.
This is when it’s time to call a pest management professional.
Should I get pest control or do it myself?
Prevention is the best way to keep pests under control and away from your home. A few drops of certain essential oils into the soil is a quick and easy way to ward off certain insects, such as mosquitos.
Sometimes infestations happen despite homeowners’ best efforts of prevention. Before trying to do your own insect or rodent control, you must first get a sense of the infestation going on in your home by determining what kind of pests are wreaking havoc, and the extent of the infestation.
Sometimes, certain pests just don’t respond to DIY pest control methods, so you will need professional-grade remediation to take care of the problem.
Other times, the extent of the infestation problem requires more intense remediation.
For small, isolated infestations (for example, a colony of ants clearly gathering near a window or door, or you’ve seen evidence of rodents nibbling on boxes in your pantry), you can most likely fix the problem yourself with a quick application of a spray or foam, or by setting traps in your pantry. If the problem continues or gets worse, however, you may want to call a pest professional.
Why shouldn’t you do your own pest control?
When weighing the benefits and drawbacks of hiring a professional versus addressing your infestation problem yourself, keep these factors in mind:
- Expense. A powerful store product may be all you need to remedy a one-time, small ant infestation. In this instance, the cost of a store product outweighed the cost of professional pest control services. If you have a large-scale infestation or an aggressive type of pest (such as termites or cockroaches), the cost of hiring a pest control expert is worth it.
- Expertise. Pest control professionals have the skills, knowledge, and experience to identify the type of infestation in your home and how to best address it. As a homeowner, you may have encountered pest infestations before, or not. If not, you must do your own research and due diligence to discover what type of pest has invaded your home, and the best way to get rid of it. This takes time—a few hours, if not more. A pest control professional can sometimes figure out the problem and a solution in a matter of minutes.
- Convenience. You can apply your pest control product any time it is convenient for you. When working with a pest control expert, you have to schedule a time that works for both of you. Scheduling is something to consider when hiring an expert. Most have flexible scheduling and will work with your availability.
- Effectiveness. Thanks to their knowledge and experience, a pest control professional can determine the best, most effective treatment for a homeowner’s pest problem. A homeowner practicing DIY methods may need to try a few products before finding one that works. A pest control professional can take care of the problem in only a few applications—with the right products, only one may be needed.
- Risks. Any time you use chemical pesticides, you are potentially putting the health of yourself, your family, pets, and even houseplants at risk. You must understand the potential risks of each product you use, or the results can cause an allergic reaction, or worse. Pest control experts are well-versed in the active ingredients of each product they use. Or, the technician will use a natural product that is equally effective but less harsh to humans and pets. Additionally, they are required to give you a complete list of the products they used and the ingredients of each, should someone in the home have a reaction. Homeowners appreciate this extra level of protection and many would rather hire a professional than attempt to fix the problem themselves.
Are professional exterminators worth the money?
As we already stated, some pests are persistent and almost require the services of a pest control professional. Cockroaches and bed bugs are among the most notoriously difficult insects to remove from a home.
Cockroaches are especially stubborn (there’s a reason the species has been around since the days of the dinosaurs!) but some DIY methods can be effective. You want a remediation method that is natural and will be safe for your family. You do your research and learn that boric acid is an effective way to get rid of roaches.
Despite several attempts at using this DIY method, the cockroaches persist. Concerned for your family’s welfare (and aware that cockroaches are known spreaders of disease and a big trigger for asthma sufferers), you decide to call a pest control expert. The problem is solved in just one treatment, with a guarantee to return if the pest returns within a certain amount of time.
Struggling with a pest control problem and ready to call a professional? Contact The Pest Rangers below to discuss your issue today.
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