Is it Really Necessary to Acquire Professional Pest Control?

by Kevin Smith Author

On a day-to-day basis, it’s already normal for us to notice crawling ants and other bugs infesting our homes or our homies’ homes. We can admit that at some point, they have caused us—or someone we know—inconveniences and even a trip to the hospital due to minor to severe allergic reactions from bees or wasps, dengue fever from mosquitoes, or some other worse cases like leptospirosis and lyme disease.

Although, going back to you, seeing the crawling ants or other bugs buzzing again—you don’t feel pressure about all other life threatening diseases that were flashing before your eyes. Without a whisk of intimidation, most Americans would go on looking up DIY hacks on the internet to put the fate of the pests in their hands and might probably risk a termite or bed bug infestation just to dodge the expense of hiring a professional. Little did we know, the damage and risk can be more expensive.

Well—given the consequences at hand and you’re still on the fence between DIY and professional pest control—you might want to take a read below the things you need to heavily consider before coming up with a decision:

1. Identifying pests is a crucial job.

There is a wide variety of invasive pests in your backyard or home and you may have different levels of success in trying to get rid of them. Number one on the list is to be able to identify and treat them properly especially venomous or rabid insects and pests that might cost you a trip to the hospital or some serious discomfort. Since we don’t want that to happen to anyone, here are a few of the creatures and their cousins that you will need to identify:

Vector insects: Mosquitos, bedbugs, and fleas
Cockroaches: American cockroaches, oriental cockroaches, Asian cockroaches
Snakes: garden snakes, rat snacks, timber rattlesnakes
Ants: acrobat ants, thief cants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, odorous ants
Stinging pests: hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, cicada killer wasps
Outdoor bugs: Beetles and weevils
Spiders: black widow, wolf spider, house spider, cellda spiders
Rodents: house mouse, deer mice, field mice, Norway rats
Flying insects: Flies, gnats, and moths

First, it requires a good background and knowledge when it comes to the entomology of pests in order to be able to strategize a concrete plan in getting rid of them permanently. DIY pest control may be handy but the risk of not being able to identify what you are exterminating can be a real danger sometimes.

2. Cheap but damages can be expensive or detrimental.

Sure, you can buy over-the-counter “quick fix” remedies to patch out your pest situation. However, this can only be a temporary cure. Maybe you can sleep it off for a few days or weeks, and come across with the problem again just for the thrill of it.

Like the case of cross-resistant cockroaches, there is a huge threat that some pests like crickets, mosquitoes, stink bugs, or other flying creatures to be more susceptible to chemicals where they have been exposed to, causing them to be stronger and cross-resistant, A bad dosage can cause this risk which may be a problem in the future.

A professional pest control company has specific guidelines in handling different species. Not only are they able to remove infestations, they can keep them from returning for good. Hence, no need to worry or spend more in the future.

3. Intended usage must be properly imposed.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency promotes safe usage for pest control. These are recommended do’s and don’ts to follow when attempting your own pest control method:

Chemical storage - Hoarding or keeping pesticides around the house for future use can also be harmful especially around children and pests. Some can also be fire hazard so it is not advisable to keep them unattended in a normal household setting. It’s also a bad idea to transfer pesticides to other containers. At all times, it should be stored in the original container.
Pesticide disposal - Since you are dealing with chemicals that can be deadly to animals or even humans at a certain amount, it is necessary that proper disposal of the said pesticides are observed. Always make sure to read the label on how to dispose of them properly.
Handling of pesticide containers - This is obvious but has to be said. Never try to use an original pesticide container for another purpose. No matter how well you try to wash it out, it’s not worth the risk and there can always be remnants of pesticide left behind.

Hazardous chemicals may not immediately cause us major discomfort right away, but with longer exposure, it can also cause us harm and danger especially when you, the kids, or pets at home are being exposed with the fumes that are supposed to be sprayed outside the house or in an open air. This can cause nausea, dizziness, or even shortness of breath. If symptoms persist, it’s best to consult the doctor.

4. Chemical dosage

Another major thing to consider is the dosage—the size of the area that you are going to be using, the formula that you’ll be mixing, and the mortality of the pests you’re trying to get rid of will depend on your dosage.

Using twice as much won’t necessarily yield better results. Not only is it a waste, but a harmful amount can be dangerous around people that are living in the house.

When is calling Pest Control really necessary?

You might still wonder this time if pest control must be necessary. At most times, yes. Given that you may have learned the vital and prerequisite information in handling and applying pesticides, the normal joe may have to delve more on the mixture and dosage of the chemicals, the longevity of application, safe gears and measures, and of course, proper disposal—this can still be all tucked into hiring a professional pest control expert to do all of this for you in one single treatment.

We hate to break it to you but simply seeing an infestation doesn’t tell the entire story. In this type of situation, it is vital to trace where the infestation started. Here are the major reasons that need professional pest control’s knowledge and expertise:

Tracing the source of infestation
One-time treatment guarantee
Healthy and safety is always a priority

Infestations can seriously affect you and your family, with some serious health consequences ranging from salmonella virus, yellow fever, and even lyme disease. That’s why, having to trust someone who knows all the necessary procedures with years of experience in the pest control industry is such a relief for most Americans who have tried it.

By calling your local pest control company, you can be given a free estimate and even a favorable price for your home’s specific or general treatment while you can sleep sound at night knowing that it will not haunt you or your family for their return anytime soon.