Is It Less Expensive To Kill Bugs Yourself?

Why Do People Turn to DIY Pest Control Methods?

When people suspect an infestation of either insects or rodents, they often feel an urge to attempt a “Do It Yourself” remedy. That’s a panic response, where they figure it’ll be cheaper and quicker to simply take care of things on their own. The problem is that it couldn’t be further from the truth.

One of the more common DIY attempts is to lay down a lot of chemicals or traps. As far as pesticides go, there are numerous options on the market with advertising that the consumer may not fully understand. Some are dangerous to use; some may be harmful to plants, animals, people, or water systems. Others could be bad to use around sensitive or allergic groups of people and should be avoided, and some are illegal to use in certain areas. Pest control professionals are well-versed in which products work best for the situation at hand.

It takes an expert to know how to properly lay them out and where they’d be most successful when it comes to traps. Further, it requires a trained eye to look for subtle signs that there could be more pests within the property, so leaving out a trap and capturing one insect is simply not enough. And even more importantly, pest control experts know how to look for signs of damage that need immediate repairs.

Pest Damage To Homes And Buildings

Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage to buildings in the United States annually, and property owners spend over two billion dollars yearly repairing that damage. Rodents chew through electrical wires, and fire investigators estimate the creatures are responsible for up to 20% of all fires in the United States with undetermined causes. Pests can burrow through lawns, destroying landscapes and gardens that force people to pay for a complete overhaul of their lawns – a much higher price tag than a visit from a pest control technician.

One of the biggest problems with DIY pest control is that it doesn’t fully eradicate the pest. You may wipe out a few bugs, but these applications fail to penetrate the deep places that insects hide. Many of them, like “bug bombs,” can leave a toxic residue wherever it lands. Rodents are incredibly crafty, sneaking into small spaces and hiding easily in dark corners. If even a small portion of a colony is left alive, it can grow back rapidly, continuing to do damage to your property right under your nose. Eventually, that damage can amount to enough to compromise the structural integrity of your home, costing far more to repair than it would to hire a pest control expert.

Considering The Risks Of An Infestation

Another thing to remember is that many pests, especially certain mammals, reptiles, and birds, pose real dangers. Many animals lash out when they feel threatened, lunging toward you with sharp claws and razor-like teeth if you go after them. That can lead to lacerations and potential infection and the spread of disease through bacteria-ridden saliva. There are many illnesses people can be infected with through contact with an animal, from cat scratch fever and ringworm to Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, Salmonella, Rabies, and even plague. Insects can also carry deadly viruses like West Nile and Ebola, and they can also aggravate allergies and respiratory issues.

Many of those diseases are spread through direct contact with the animal and even indirect contact, like exposure to their urine or feces. When you take into account the potential hospital and doctor bills, prescriptions, follow-up appointments and allergy medications you risk involved by trying to take care of the infestation yourself, you’ll see that hiring a professional is the better and more cost-effective choice. Pest control experts wear the proper personal protective equipment and are trained to look out for possible dangers. They get rid of the infestation and the remnant matter left behind by the pests.

What Can You Do To Prevent Pest Issues?

You can do some things to try to stave off an infestation. That includes regularly taking out the trash, making sure no standing water gathers in your yard and keeping your landscape well-maintained and free of good hiding places for animals and insects. Those things are tremendously helpful when it comes to prevention.

However, if you do suspect an infestation has already occurred, it’s not advised to try and handle it yourself. It can result in a bigger blow to your wallet, a drawn-out headache while the problem grows, a potential damage to your home. Instead, contac At Ease Pest Solutions. We’re a veteran owned and operated local business committed to protecting our community from the threat of pests, both in residential and commercial situations.