From building your own deck to upcycling old furniture, DIY solutions can help you trim your household budget. When it comes to keeping bugs and rodents at bay, though, it’s best to call in a pro. If you’re tempted to do your own pest control, read on. We’ll explain how DIY pest control can put your family, pets, and property at risk.
Pest Control Health Risks
With so many over-the-counter bug killers on the market, you might be wondering if you should do your own pest control. It is important to maintain clean environments to deter common pests like ants and suggest simple DIY methods for dealing with these infestations effectively. While some products may be safe when used as directed, others can put your family and pets in harm’s way. For example, pets can get sick after eating bugs killed by certain insecticides or ingesting chemicals due to improper insecticide application.
2. Safety Risks
If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter when applying insecticides, you could inhale a blast of chemicals, absorb them into your skin or contaminate food. Using a spray bottle can help apply pest control solutions effectively, ensuring even coverage and reducing the risk of exposure. Here are some other DIY pest control hazards to avoid:
- Handling chemical irritants
- Taking risks by trying untested methods
- Getting too close to stinging insects
- Biting bugs and dangerous rodents or wildlife
While questionable DIY pest control techniques can be dangerous, ignoring the problem can be just as harmful. For example, an untreated rodent problem could put your family in harm’s way. Mice and rats are known to gnaw through everyday household materials as a way of trimming their continuously growing teeth. As a result, countless house fires have been started by rodents chewing through electrical wiring. It is crucial to use certified pest control products to ensure safety and effectiveness, as unregulated products can pose significant risks. Pest control professionals can quickly find and eliminate perilous infestations.
Pest Control Property Damage
When considering professional pest control vs DIY options, the question “Does pest control work?” is sure to cross your mind. One of the biggest DIY pest control hazards is their ineffectiveness. Most OTC insecticides are temporary fixes. They may eliminate the occasional pest you actually see.
Carpenter ants, for example, exhibit seasonal behavior that requires specific preventive measures, such as trimming foliage near homes to reduce access points.
However, spotting a bug or rodent is usually the tip of the iceberg. Killing a pest or two does nothing to eliminate an infestation, and the peace of mind they provide could make you complacent about a potentially costly problem that will worsen dramatically if left untreated.
Regular treatments are crucial to prevent termite problems, especially in areas like Florida where the climate makes infestations more common. Effective measures and proactive treatments are essential to manage or eliminate these issues.
4. Lack of Equipment
Pest control technicians are armed with professional equipment and supplies to do a safe, effective job every time. From targeting pests with highly precise sprayers to protecting themselves with heavy-duty gloves and goggles, they have advantages the average resident or business owner lacks. However, diatomaceous earth can be used as a natural and effective pest control method, treating various pests like ants and termites affordably and safely.
For those looking for natural solutions, essential oils can be incorporated into homemade pest deterrent recipes to keep pests like mosquitoes and garden bugs at bay.
5. Lack of Experience
Extensive training provides pest control technicians with the knowledge they need to protect your home or business. On-the-job experience enhances their understanding of how pests are able to wreak havoc on our homes and workplaces. Dealing with pest problems using professional-grade pest control products is crucial for effective management and prevention. Here are some skill sets that help the pros prevent and eliminate infestations:
- Understanding behaviors of wide-ranging pest populations
- Avoiding unsafe practices and preventing costly or wasteful mistakes
- Knowing what, how much and where to apply professional-grade insecticides and traps
Effective treatment methods are essential for managing various types of pests, including other pests like spiders and ants. This ensures comprehensive protection and long-term prevention.
Request a Free Pest Control Estimate Today
You may be tempted to try your hand at DIY pest control, but it’s wiser to leave the job to local experts. Las Vegas Pest Control offers pest control solutions that are as safe for your home, family, and pets as they are effective. Whether you’re in Henderson, Boulder City, or another community in the Vegas area, we can help keep your home or business pest-free. Our 100-percent satisfaction guarantee means we’ll treat your property free of charge if you find pests between treatments. Whether you have an infestation or want to prevent one, contact us today or request a free estimate online.
