The Internet is full of blogs containing tips and tricks for DIY pest removal. If you’re dealing with a major pest problem for the first time, you might be convinced that these DIY treatments are the answer. They’re cheap, easy and natural. What could go wrong?
If DIY pest-control treatments worked as well as some people claim, then there would be no need for professional exterminators. Every situation is unique, and it’s certainly possible that DIY treatments could have some effect. However, there are a number of reasons why it’s not good idea to rely on them.
1. Not Knowing Your Pests
One common problem is misdiagnosis. Let’s say that you see some winged insects and assume they’re termites. You research DIY treatments for termites, get everything you need, do the treatment and wait to see positive results. Everything seems great until you discover you're actually dealing with ants. If the DIY treatment you did wasn’t designed for ants as well as termites, then all your time and energy will have gone to waste.
2. Not Knowing Where Your Pests Live
If you notice a mouse scurrying across your front porch, it’s safe to assume that it doesn’t actually live on the porch. The same is true for a variety of other pests, including ants, spiders and termites. Seeing one pest usually means that many more are lurking nearby. Some people make the mistake of placing DIY treatments in a certain area and completely missing the areas where the majority of the pests are living and breeding.
3. Missing Potential Dangers
You’re an intelligent human being, but you’re still capable of making mistakes. Unless you’ve been studying pest control for years or have past experience as a pest-control worker, you likely don’t know everything about the pests you’re dealing with. You also might not know about some of the potential dangers of the DIY treatments you’re using. Natural and over-the-counter products aren’t necessarily safe, so before you scatter a DIY treatment all around your yard, it’s a good idea to talk to the professionals. Trying to handle this yourself could put the health of your family and pets at risk.
4. Letting the Problem Get Out of Control
The greatest danger in choosing DIY treatments is the fact that the pest problem will likely continue to get out of control. This could lead to potential hazards for people who live in the home, such as an increase in asthma symptoms from rodent dander. Cockroach infestations have been known to cause allergy attacks, and other pests present dangers of their own. Infestations can also ruin the structure of the home itself. If you let a termite problem get completely out of control, it could cause irreparable damage.
If you suspect that you might have a pest infestation, please contact My Pest Pros today. We offer pest-control services in Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Montgomery County, Maryland. We have the experience required to properly assess your pest problem and find treatments that will work for you.