So you have some kind of pest infestation in your home, and you’re considering buying a pest control product to tackle the problem on your own. Why not? It’s cheaper and quicker than arranging an appointment with a professional technician, and it’s just as good, isn’t it?
The inconvenient truth is that, while DIY pesticides seem like an easy money-saving hack, they can actually result in far more damage than they’re worth. That’s why if you’re considering this approach, you need to make sure you understand the downsides involved so you can take measures to minimize the risk to yourself, your family, and your home.
Can I Do My Own Pest Control (vs Professional Pest Control)?
Performing your own pest control is tempting, especially when you want to save a quick buck from professional extermination. You can do your own extermination with insecticides, traps, etc., but the results won’t compare to expert methods.
Pest control specialists have the expertise and equipment to tackle all sorts of infestations and face pest challenges in Louisiana daily. When infestations get out of hand, is a DIY approach enough, or should you call in the pros? The experts at Ja-Roy have the answers.
DIY Pest Control: What You Might Not Know
Diving into DIY pest control can seem appealing for those less intimidating invaders, or if they’re just bothering you without posing any real danger. Small ants parading on your countertop or those lone spiders hanging out in corners are seemingly harmless.
In these cases, rolling up your sleeves may do the trick. However, when we’re talking about the heavy-hitters like termites, rodents, or a bed bug party under your mattress, it’s different. Here’s what to consider:
- The Challenges: Battling pests like termites, rodents, or carpenter ants isn’t just daunting, it’s a specialized endeavor.
- The Risks: Grabbing pest control solutions off the shelf might seem easy, but many pack a punch with chemicals that aren’t exactly pet or people-friendly. Safety first, always!
- The Shortcomings: These remedies often fall short in keeping pests at bay over the long haul.
You know by now that you can’t trust everything you see in commercials and other promotions. That shiny new pest control solution may look appealing and boast a shockingly cheap price tag, but it comes with problems conveniently glossed over in the ads. It might be that they overuse the wrong kinds of chemical pesticides and kill beneficial insects. Or, even more frustratingly, they might just not work to begin with.
Even if the DIY pest control isn’t a scam, that doesn’t make it that much safer for someone without experience. Did you know that the most common cause of injury in pest control comes from the misuse or careless use of pesticides?
A close second is the injuries that come from coming in contact with the insect itself. Even something as simple as a bug zapper can put you and your household at risk if you haven’t properly reviewed the instructions. As with all products in this field, it’s absolutely vital to read all instructions before use. Pesticides are meant to be taken seriously, or else you open yourself up to a whole realm of trouble.
DIY Pest Control Can Risk Others’ Safety
If you misuse pesticides, even without intending to, you could still be held liable for your practices. This might look like trapping pests in a building without the right safety precautions or even just spraying pest-killing chemicals in a room without sufficient ventilation. These are all minor slip-ups that could potentially hurt you or someone on your property, and because of that, they come with legal repercussions. The same applies if you attempt to eradicate a species that’s endangered and legally protected.
Chemicals in Pesticides
Even if you do everything right, exposing yourself or a loved one to pesticides can result in a range of adverse health risks. More than that, if your pesticide use leaks into a water source, you could potentially contaminate the ecosystem of your entire neighborhood. You don’t want to hurt any birds or fish that might make use of your tainted water, so it’s vital that you only apply the recommended amount of pesticide for the situation at hand. In times like these, it must be said that more does not mean better.
When not in use, pesticides should be kept away from any consumables in your home. They should also be kept away from the reach of children or pets, and only used in areas that are ventilated enough to allow the chemicals to properly dissipate.
Health and Safety Risks
Do-it-yourself pest control comes with several health and safety issues that must be taken into consideration. If you live with pregnant women or young children, for instance, it’s highly advised that they stay away from any space where pesticides have recently been used.
And while you’re in the process of home pest control, you should always wear gloves and protective clothing, along with masks and eye goggles if you’re coming into direct contact with rats and other pests. This reduces the chance of bites or stings. Then, once you’ve cleared out the infestation, sanitation is absolutely vital to make sure you don’t attract more pests to take their place.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
Pests are like uninvited guests in your home. Some are merely annoying (nuisance pests), some could genuinely harm you and your loved ones (dangerous pests), and others are out to wreck the place (destructive pests).
Nuisance Pests
We’re talking about stink bugs, silverfish, and others who crash your home but generally keep to themselves.
Should I call exterminators for nuisance pests? They’re definitely annoying, and their populations can grow quickly. Call in exterminators to save yourself time and a headache.
Dangerous Pests
Flies and roaches spread germs, spiders can leave venomous bites (depending on the species), and rodents can contaminate your food and water.
Should I call exterminators for dangerous pests? If you see signs of these types of pests, call the pros as soon as possible.
Destructive Pests
Termites and other destructive pests (carpenter ants, rodents, etc.) damage infrastructures, causing a fortune in repairs annually.
Should I call exterminators for destructive pests? These critters require immediate professional intervention.
Should I Do My Own Mosquito Control (or Termite Control)?
Basic mosquito control measures like dumping standing water can deter infestations, but for every mosquito you see, there’s a lot more waiting nearby. Professional mosquito treatments are the way to go for peace of mind and a bite-free existence.
As for termites, nothing DIY-wise compares to professional intervention. These sneaky pests burrow deep and are notoriously tricky to evict. Termite pest control is a very necessary service for a building’s integrity.
By now, you may have gathered that home pest control is a little more complicated than you may have initially thought. Luckily, you don’t have to work on your own. There are professional exterminators who have trained and worked to handle any swarm you could imagine. And if you’re in the Northshore area, Ja-Roy is the best source for a clean house and peace of mind.
Why Professional Pest Control Is Better Than Doing Your Own
Ja-Roy has been leading the pack in terms of pest exterminations since 1971. For homes and businesses in and around Louisiana, we’ve been able to make sure bugs and rodents get out and stay out. We don’t use more toxic materials than what’s absolutely necessary, and what we do use will never hurt anything that’s supposed to be there.
Living with pests is a headache no one wants, and no one can blame you if you want to tackle it yourself. But professional pest control isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. A trusted pest control partner like Ja-Roy has the knowledge and tools to keep your home a fortress against future infestations.
Feeling over your head with pests and longing for a peaceful home again? It’s time to connect with the pros here at Ja-Roy. We’re all about delivering stress-free, effective solutions tailored just for you and your home.
Let’s get those pests packing — reach out to us today and start with a free service quote!
