WHY HIRE A PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL

The 'Do-it-Yourself' approach has become a norm.

With the ever-growing popularity of DIY TV shows, and the wealth of information available online, people are gravitating to the internet to find how-to videos, tips, tricks, hacks, and legit resources to take on just about any project they desire without professional help.

But when it comes to pest control and management, the DIY approach may seem like a fast, simple, and relatively inexpensive undertaking. Afterall, it's just getting rid of bugs, right? How hard can that be?

The truth is that pest management and control is not always simple, straightforward, or fast. And if mishandled, it can become a much larger, more expensive issue and headache.

DIY pest control is not advised for 2 key reasons:

1. It gives the illusion that it was effective in remedying the situation. In reality it likely only provided temporary relief of the pests and damage you can see. Some infestations can be extensive, and more than what the eye can see. Some pests, like cockroaches and bed bugs are resilient and difficult to control. DIY pest control does not solve the root issues, prevent a situation from getting out of control or an infestation from re-occurring.  There is no guarantee it worked or will work.

2. It can be dangerous. First, home remedies or DIY attempts based off googling pest control methods that involve chemicals, especially pesticides, can be dangerous. If these are misused, they can create an unsafe environment and potentially cause harm to the person(s) applying it, people exposed to the area and damage to property. Secondly, some pests like mice, rats and cockroaches are unsanitary and harmful to humans. They can both carry and transmit disease, putting those in your home or on your premises at risk.

Pest Control is a Team Effort

Pest control and management is not one-sided. It is a true team effort. For it to be truly effective (and for most service guarantees to remain valid), homeowners, renters, landlords or property owners are expected to do their part in helping to protect their buildings, dwellings, and structures from pests. Preventative measures include good home and property maintenance practices and proper sanitation. A pest management professional will work with their customers to ensure that they are aware of the preventative steps that they need to take to help resolve the pest problem.

Why Hire a Pest Control Professional?

If you are still sitting on the fence, and are unsure of the value in hiring a professional, here are 4 reasons to consider:

1. They Know What They Are Doing

• A licensed pest control professional is at the top of his or her game.
• They’ve invested time and money to earning and maintaining their pest control license(s).
• They bring knowledge and expertise learned through real experience and application, which makes them experts in pests, infestations, treatment, and prevention.
• It is important to remember that by the time pests are spotted crawling around your space, an infestation may have taken place. Plus, you may only be seeing a fraction of the pest population taking up residence in your home or business. A trained technician will expertly assess the seriousness of the situation extent of the issue, possible health concerns or damage, and advise on the best course of treatment, all with no guesswork.

2. They Deliver & Guarantee Results

• Because they know what they are doing (see above).
• Because they apply integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and techniques. Here at Environmental Pest Control, we are proud and confident in our Green Pest Management System.
• When you work with a trusted, licensed pest management professional, they guarantee the results of their work so that if the pests return during the guarantee period, they will return to treat the problem at no added cost. Some pest control companies may even refund your money within a certain period. It is important to ask about the guarantee offered and terms and conditions before signing a contract.

3. Safety Risks

• Pesticides can be dangerous to apply or be around in general. If misused they can create an unsafe, dangerous environment. Some pesticides are also illegal in some regions.  
• Don’t put yourself, others (family, pets, tenants, employees, or customers), or property at risk. Leave this to the trained professionals to administer (and determine if it is even needed).
• A licensed professional pest technician knows what products are legal, and how to use them safely and effectively.

4. Cost

• DIY pest control can be costly when you add up the pesticides, sprays and other products purchased. Money is wasted or overspent due to the products being expensive, repeated same-product purchases when misapplied or misused, and don’t forget the cost of the other products that are purchased when what was brought the first (or second) time did not work.
• Depending on the type of pest and level of infestation, damage to property home or people can result, and the costs associated with removal, repair or medical treatment can increase if the situation is mistreated and mishandled at the start.

5. Time & Convenience 

• Life is busy enough without having to deal with a pest infestation. You are likely already losing sleep, time and money trying to understand and deal with the pest problem yourself.
• Save yourself the time and effort of trying to control, manage and treat the problem yourself by hiring an expert.
• A trained licensed pest control technician can solve this problem quicker and more easily than if you attempted it yourself because they are familiar with the pests and effective treatments. It’s what they do every day.

There is real tangible value in hiring a competent, licensed, and reputable pest control professional to help you get rid of pests, regardless of what type of pest you are trying to get rid of. Reaching out to speak with a knowledgeable professional (like our team here at Environmental Pest Control) is a great start, especially because most pest management companies provide free quotes. The really good ones take the time to ask questions and listen to fully understand your situation. They also educate you more on the specific pests and the treatment options available with no high-pressure sales tactics.

Watch for our next blog post where we will share tips for how to hire a quality pest control professional.