When one sees a bug or a mouse or any other sort of pest in their home, there is usually one of two responses: scream for help or go on the attack. In some cases taking care of your own pest control problem is straightforward and easy. In other cases, however, pest control can be complicated and even dangerous. So when should you just roll up a newspaper to quickly dispatch with the offending pest and when should you call in the professionals?
Cost: Professional vs. Do-It-Yourself Pest Control
One of the major reasons why people try do-it-yourself pest control is the cost. Why should they pay someone to do something that they can easily do themselves? You’ll probably save money by simply buying the appropriate traps or pesticides and taking care of a minor infestation yourself. If your first extermination efforts don’t work or the infestation is a large one, however, the problem could persist for months or even years. That’s when things start to add up. At that point the cost isn’t just monetary; taking care of your pest control problem on your own can become a huge time drain. Calling a professional exterminator for large infestations may be a larger upfront investment, but it could save money and time in the long run.
Safety: Professional vs. Do-It-Yourself Pest Control
Certain insects and animals are considered pests for a reason. They are all annoying, most cause damage to your home or garden, and some are actually dangerous. It’s one thing to try to get rid of ants or mice on your own; do-it-yourself pest control for raccoons, rats, and black widow spiders is an entirely different affair. Raccoons and rats are both crafty creatures that aren’t easily caught with the run-of-the-mill traps found in stores. They can also carry disease and aren’t afraid to bite. The black widow is one of the most dangerous spiders in North America and killing one without getting bitten can be tricky. A pest control professional has the equipment and know how to safely rid your home of even the most dangerous pests.
Effectiveness: Professional vs. Do-It-Yourself Pest Control
The effectiveness of a professional pest control job versus one that you do on your own depends on the skill and knowledge of the person, as well as the size of the infestation and complexity of required extermination techniques. The more complex the job, the more likely it is that an amateur exterminator will make a mistake. If the infestation is large, there is also a greater chance that a homeowner will miss some of the pests. In these cases, a competent professional would probably eradicate your pest problem more efficiently and effectively.