Who you gonna call…? Do you struggle with unwanted house pests? Have you tried to take care of the problem yourself or do you call the professionals? In this article we will address pest control vs hiring a professional exterminator.
DIY Pest Control
There are many reasons why doing your own pest control isn’t always ideal or recommended. Here are several reasons why DIY pest control should be carefully considered.
- It’s a short-term solution
- Mistakes are made during an infestation
- Do it yourself pesticides are not always effective
- Failure to identify the infestation
- Failure to target the right source
- Over the counter pest control products are not customized
- Do it yourself pest control can become more expensive
- Insects are more resistant to over the counter pest control products
- Do it yourself pest products and treatments delay professional help
It’s a short-term solution
Since you’re generally treating only what you can see, do-it-yourself pest control doesn’t get to the root of the problem. You must eliminate the nest or entire colony to truly be effective.
Mistakes are made during an infestation
When you have an infestation, it’s only natural to want to just be “done” or find a quick fix to the annoying problem. Because of this, sometimes people skim through the pesticide label instructions and treat the wrong areas or spray too much. These chemicals can also be harmful to people and pets. If used incorrectly it may seep into your water supply, plants, or air.
Do it yourself pesticides are not always effective
Do it yourself pesticides and online products tend to promise a lot. However, they are not always as effective as hiring an exterminator. Again, oftentimes the incorrect amount of pesticide products are applied causing problems with airborne chemicals and seepage.
Failure to identify the infestation
Every bug has its own patterns and behavioral habits. Therefore, you must identify and know how to treat the infestation efficiently and correctly. You need to know how the bugs will respond to the treatment and what to do if the problem recurs.
Failure to target the right source
If you don’t take care of pests at their source, the problem will only continue. You’ll need to find all the sources as well as their entry points and block those.
Over the counter pest control products are not customized
Pest products aren’t always the best solution for every infestation. No infestation is the same. To be effective, treatments need to be customized. Pest control requires repeated treatments and detailed methods.
Do it yourself pest control can become more expensive
After a while, do it yourself pest control may not work and you’ll need to call a professional exterminator. By now, you’ve probably spent lots of money for over the counter treatments and used too much product. It is worth investing in professional pest control to maintain your home.
Insects are more resistant to over the counter pest control products
Homeowners often rely too heavily on pest control products. Before you know it, you’ll have “Super Bugs!” Using the same insecticide over and over again, will cause bugs to be more resistant to those products.
Do it yourself pest products and treatments delay professional help
Do it yourself pest control products only delays the need for an exterminator. Over the counter products will aggravate the infestation issue and in the end you’ll be calling for professional help.
Professional Exterminator
Dealing with a small infestation yourself may seem doable at first. In the end, you’ll most likely need to call a professional. So, why is hiring a professional exterminator worth it?
- Hidden signs of an infestation
- Trained against mistakes
- Professional exterminators have the proper gear
- Fast and efficient
- Options to consult colleagues
- Accepts potential injury as an exterminator
- Paid to clean the tough stuff
- Know how to assess damage
- Saves the value of your home
Hidden signs of an infestation
As already mentioned, professional exterminators can identify evidence of an infestation that the homeowner may have missed. They are also better equipped to handle the problem.
Trained against mistakes
Mistakes happen, but they are less likely to happen with a professional pest control company. Pest professionals are trained to avoid common mistakes that may happen if you do it yourself.
Professional exterminators have the proper gear
Some gear is easy to get your hands on. Did you know that you may need respiratory equipment to protect against spores or animal droppings if you’re trying to rid your house of raccoons or mice? It all comes down to the fact that you don’t have the right gear for the job.
Fast and efficient
Exterminators are trained to take care of pest problems. Therefore, they are efficient and finish the job quickly.
Options to consult colleagues
Pest control professionals have the option to consult another professional about any problems. However, your friends probably don’t know much more than you do.
Accepts potential injury as an exterminator
There are potential risks as an exterminator. However, the professionals are trained to anticipate bites or other dangers and are getting paid for this dangerous job. The good news is exterminators come prepared.
Paid to clean the tough stuff
Exterminators are getting paid to clean up the disgusting, dead mice or droppings. This isn’t a job you necessarily want to do on your own.
Know how to assess damage
Exterminators can spot secondary damage from an infestation. This may include chewed wires or shredded insulation which you pay for with higher utility bills.
Saves the value of your home
Many mistakes can happen when you do your own pest control. Your inexperience could lead to potential house damage. At some point when you go to sell your house, you don’t want an inspector to find something that your do it yourself pest control missed. Also, a potential buyer may back out because you can’t guarantee pest control services or the safe handling of disposal of chemicals.
Doing pest control yourself isn’t always the best option. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of DIY pest control versus hiring a professional exterminator.
Katie Meyers is an SEO Specialist at SEO Design Chicago. Before joining the SEO Design Chicago team, she interned for them, as well as interned as a Content Writer at HZD Creates. Katie is from Washington State and has an AA and a Social Media Marketing Certificate.