DIY vs Professional Pest Control

DIY vs Professional Pest Control

When it comes to household pests (like spiders, ants, roaches, and termites), there are several options for pest control to choose from. Should you use do it yourself pest control? Should you call a professional pest control company? What is the difference? What are the pros and cons of each? Here we break down the advantages and disadvantages of DIY vs professional pest control.

Expertise

The key to effective pest control is proper identification. Appropriate treatment depends on the species of the pest, how far the infestation has spread, the size of the home, climate, and many other factors. DIY pest control products have labels with directions and warnings that are fairly simple to follow. Professionals, however, have the knowledge and training on industry trends and groundbreaking products that may not be readily available to household consumers. They know key indicators to look for and can provide quick assessments and effective treatments.

Cost

Cost is one of the biggest factors that influence DIY vs professional pest control treatments. While do it yourself products are typically less expensive than commercial products, they can end up costing you more in the long run. Most homeowners don’t treat a pest problem until they spot them; unfortunately by this point the infestation is usually already established. This could end up costing significantly more in treatment and damage repair costs than a professional service would. Professional pest control services can be more costly initially but save you over time through prevention.

Convenience

DIY products are certainly convenient – you just head to your local hardware store and pick up what you need. Professional services have to be coordinated around their availability and your schedule, sometimes requiring you to be at home for the service.

Hazard

Using chemicals of any kind can pose a hazard to yourself, your family, and your pets. DIY products can contain chemicals that the average consumer may not be familiar with. This can pose a threat to your and your family’s health. With a professional service the risk on the homeowner is taken away. Green pest control options are also available which are safe for both you and your pets.

Effectiveness

The ultimate goal of any pest control treatment is effectiveness – you want it to work. With DIY methods, you usually only treat the areas where you see an active problem. These products are effective for small pest problems but typically aren’t strong enough or don’t last long enough for significant infestations. Pests are also highly adaptable and can become resistant to many chemicals used in these products. Professional pest control treatments use the most up to date methods and products. They can also treat areas where infestations have spread that you may not see such as inside walls, in attics, and crawlspaces.

Guarantee

DIY product guarantees will vary depending on the store or manufacturer. Most pest control companies will offer a service guarantee where they will come back and treat in between scheduled visits if a problem arises at no extra charge to the consumer.

Prevention

As previously mentioned, most DIY products are designed to be used for an active problem. Oftentimes, these products aren’t used until after an infestation is already established. With a professional service, visits are set on a scheduled basis whether there is an active pest problem or not. This allows the technician to use preventative measures when infestations are gone to keep them from flourishing in your home.

When you have a pest problem, the main concern is getting it taken care of quickly and effectively whether that is through DIY methods or a professional service. Every situation is different and the main concern is the appropriate treatment for each individual situation. If you suspect you have a pest problem or would like a quote on services, contact a professional pest control company.

You May Also Be Interested In:

Why Rain and High Temperatures Bring Mosquitoes

What Are Those Little Red Bugs?

Wildlife: Leaving a Mess Behind

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Cockroaches

Is Green Pest Control Worth The Investment?

Is Pest Control Worth It?

Is Pest Control Worth It?

There are several methods of pest control out there from DIY pest control, to traditional pest control and green pest control from a professional exterminating company. No matter which method you choose, any pest control efforts are well worth the investment. Pest prevention is always the best first line strategy for pest control. Keeping your house clean and well-sealed, keeping your yard mowed, and practicing good hygiene in and around your home are all simple preventative measures that anyone can take. Pests can be tenacious, however, and sometimes these efforts just aren’t enough.

Pests can cause a multitude of problems for your home, property, and even your health. Some common household pests include termites, which can significantly damage or even destroy your home; cockroaches, whose droppings can spread disease and trigger allergies and asthma; mosquitoes, that can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus; ants, which can cause painful bites and contaminate food; fleas and ticks, which not only cause painful, itchy bites but can also transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease and STARI; bed bugs, which can quickly infest your home and be quite costly to remove; and rodents, who can damage wood and wiring, as well as transmit serious diseases.

The National Pest Control Association estimates that Americans spent over $3 billion on pest control and extermination services last year. If you’ve ever had a pest problem in your home, most would agree that this investment in pest control is worth it. Here are the benefits to using a professional pest control company:

HEALTH & SAFETY

The health and safety of family and pets is at the top of the priority list for most people. Pests carry harmful diseases and bacteria that can expose your family and pets to illness. Eliminating these pests quickly can help minimize exposure and protect your family’s health and well-being in the long run. Many pest control companies now offer green pest control options that use products derived from flowers, plants, and natural earth elements rather than harsh chemicals.

EXPERTISE

Pest control professionals have the training, education, and expertise to handle many different types of pests. They know the safe and proper methods to identify, prevent, and eliminate each of these different pests, as well as where and how often to utilize them. They also have access to the most cutting edge technology and techniques in the field, as well as products and treatments that may not be readily available to consumers.

INSPECTION

Pest control effectiveness is maximized by finding the source of the problem. If you have treatment without successfully eradicating the source, the problem will continue to recur in the future. Routine pest control includes a survey and pest control inspection inside and outside your home. This can not only help them identify the source of your current pest problem, but also identify any pest issues you may not know about yet or any issues that have the potential to become future problems. Based on their inspection, the pest control technician can provide you with a customized pest control program using the most innovative and advanced products and equipment, implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, that includes the inspection and plan, along with pest identification, ongoing perimeter protection, and continuous communication to help prevent problems in the future. Routine treatment and inspection also allows them to catch pest problems early before they have the chance to cause significant damage to your home and property.

COST

While there may be a cost to you upfront, the cost savings in the long run can be significant for professional pest control services. Professional exterminating provides faster and more effective results than do-it-yourself methods, in most cases. They can also save you money in the future by identifying pest problems early and eliminating them fast, preventing a costly infestation and/or damage in the future. Most pest control companies also offer a service guarantee to come back between scheduled visits, if needed, at no additional cost to the consumer.

Ready to get started? Request a Free Pest Control Estimate Now.

 

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

Where Do Roaches Come From? 

The Dangers of Flea and Tick Bites

Summer Without Bed Bug Worry

Common Spiders: Poisonous or Painful? 

Summer Snakes and How To Prevent Them

Pin It on Pinterest

Call Now Button