A pest problem is bothersome at best and downright dangerous at worst, especially when dealing with pests like cockroaches and rodents, which are known to carry diseases.
If you’re dealing with a pest infestation in your Northeast PA home, it is essential to know that you have options for getting rid of them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to pest management, and different kinds of pest control can be effective for certain pests over others.
Understanding each type of pest control will help you find the best pest control provider or solution based on your needs
Signs You Need Professional Pest Control
First, a few factors will determine whether you need to actively implement various pest control measures or hire a professional.
- The type of pest you have
- The level of infestation
- The danger of not intervening
For example, social creatures, like termites and mosquitoes, almost always warrant intervention because spotting one pest usually means more are on the horizon. Likewise, the danger of forgoing pest control when spotting these pests could be dangerous.
For other pests, like rodents, ants, and spiders, volume will determine whether intervention by the homeowner or an exterminator is required.
If you do need pest control, whether DIY or professional, it’s important to understand what options are available.
5 Types of Pest Control
Following are five common types of pest control that can be practiced DIY or sought out by a professional.
1. Physical Pest Control
Physical pest control involves killing pests directly or setting up barriers to prevent them from entering a space. Methods such as fire, temperature control, mouse traps, other animals, and even firearms can be used.
Physical pest control is thought to be more effective on a smaller scale, as using this method when dealing with a large pest population can be time-consuming and expensive.
2. Chemical Pest Control
Chemical pest control involves using chemicals that are toxic to pests to kill them. Insecticides are some of the most commonly used chemical pest control methods and also some of the most effective.
For example, our mosquito yard sprays use a powerful insecticide that repels and kills mosquitoes and various pests after short exposure.
For those who are curious, insecticides are classified into four groups: organic, synthetic, inorganic, and miscellaneous compounds. Synthetic is by far the strongest compound, though many organic compounds may be effective for pest control.
3. Organic Pest Control
Unlike chemical pest control, organic pest control uses more natural methods. For example, neem oil and diatomaceous earth are considered organic forms of pest control.
Organic pest control focuses on long-term prevention and intervention rather than quick fixes or the use of harsh chemicals, making it appealing for homeowners with small children and pets.
Organic pest control can be highly effective when used correctly and administered by a pest control professional.
However, we caution homeowners against relying too heavily on organic pest control, especially when it comes to difficult pests, such as termites, mosquitoes, and cockroaches, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
4. Biological Pest Control
Biological pest control uses living organisms and the natural predators of certain pests to deter them. One of the most commonly used methods is importation, where the natural enemy of a specific pest is introduced to eliminate the pest in question. Biological pest control can be highly effective when done correctly but should only be attempted by a pest control expert.
5. Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses various pest control methods and a basic understanding of pests to control them. IPM is one of the most environmentally friendly approaches to pest management, making it appealing to many homeowners. Talk to your local exterminator about IPM strategies for pest control and whether they offer any.
Benefits of Professional Pest Control
When it comes to treating a pest problem, hiring a pest control expert is always your best bet. Based on your situation, an exterminator can recommend the most effective pest control strategy.
For example, for homes with pets and children, your exterminator may use a safer organic insecticide or some IPM strategies to control yard pests.
Treating a pest infestation of any kind on your own can be difficult, especially when you don’t know which strategies to implement.
A trusted pest control professional will be able to inspect your home to determine the severity of the infestation and recommend a custom treatment plan to get rid of your pests safely and effectively.
FAQs
Are chemical pesticides safe for use around children and pets?
Using any kind of chemicals around children and pests can be dangerous, which is why it is imperative to seek the help of a pest control expert before handling these chemicals. A professional exterminator will be able to give you instructions on how to handle these types of pesticides and when you should avoid coming into contact with them.
What should I do if DIY pest control methods are not effective?
While taking a DIY approach to pest control may be tempting if you’re on a budget, seeking out professional pest control is always the smarter option. DIY pest control methods are not always reliable, and you may end up spending more money than you need to without seeing real, lasting results.
How often should I schedule professional pest control services?
While the frequency at which you receive professional pest control will depend on your unique situation, homeowners can typically expect to schedule pest control management quarterly or every two to three months.