There are times when you can exterminate your pesky pests on your own with store-bought traps or sprays, and there are times when the DIY route won’t cut it.
In this article, we’re discussing DIY pest control vs. hiring professionals. We’ll discuss a few factors to consider when choosing the right path for you and the pros and cons of each. Keep reading to see if you can try to eliminate pests on your own or if it’s time to call the experts!
DIY vs Professional Pest Control: 5 Things to Consider
1. Your Budget
The most significant difference between doing pest control yourself and hiring a professional is the upfront cost. A one-time pest control service can cost anywhere from $200 to $550, while DIY methods are about $20–$50. Initially, it may seem that doing pest control on your own is the cheaper option—but don’t forget to factor in how effective it is. Often, DIY methods aren’t always successful, and if that’s the case, you may spend more on extra supplies or different failed solutions. Many pest control companies offer ongoing plans, including monthly and quarterly options, which can save you money.
Consider your budget and long-term goal before investing in either professional or do-it-yourself pest control. Is your infestation too large for DIY methods to tackle, causing you to overspend on different techniques? Or is it worth it to hire the professionals for a job well done?
2. Size of the Problem
When considering whether to hire a professional company, consider the size of the infestation you’re dealing with. Did you spot a spider crawling across the kitchen floor? Perhaps you spotted a small ant trail in the bathroom. If you notice a few tiny pests disrupting your property, a DIY solution could be enough to handle the issue. If you have the courage and resources to trap, kill, and dispose of insects or rodents, you should get rid of them for good.
However, sometimes, you won’t know that a small pest problem is a growing infestation until after a few trials and errors. For example, if you’ve used baking soda to tackle a roach or two in the bathroom but keep seeing them reappear, you may have a hidden infestation in the pipes. Even if DIY helps in the short term, an infestation is nearly impossible to handle alone.
In addition to the size of the problem, it’s essential to consider the type of pest you’re dealing with. If you see a poisonous critter, such as a black widow spider, bark scorpion, or deer mouse, it’s better to take care of these potential dangers immediately with the help of professionals rather than risk a painful bite or sting.
If the stubborn critters aren’t going away after your DIY methods, don’t wait to call the professionals to ensure the pests are gone for good, especially if you have already seen a large swarm present.
3. Safety
You may be surprised to learn that do-it-yourself pest control can sometimes be less environmentally and people-friendly than hiring professionals. DIY products usually contain harsh chemicals you’re not used to smelling in your home. These solutions can harm your pets, kids, employees, or others who enter your home or business. You must know how to apply these treatments properly and safely before proceeding. When hiring a professional pest control company, they often employ pet and kid-friendly solutions that aren’t as harsh as the DIY products you’ll find online.
On the other hand, DIY methods like essential oils, vinegar, or planting certain flowers in the garden could be a natural way to try pest control yourself. However, these solutions aren’t always as effective as the advanced technology professionals utilize.
4. Effectiveness
As mentioned above, do-it-yourself pest control doesn’t always cut it. Handling a large-scale infestation alone can quickly become daunting and impossible to control. In the case of a stubborn pest infestation, it’s best to leave it to the professionals so you can save time, money, and energy.
5. Long-Term Guarantee
Do you just need a one-time pest solution or ongoing treatment? Most DIY products don’t provide a guarantee about their effectiveness. However, pest control companies often include a service guarantee, ensuring they’ll return to your property free of charge if the problem persists. Once again, consider the size of your pest issue and determine if you need a one-time or long-term solution. Do you have time to keep trying do-it-yourself pest control, or would it be easier to have the guarantee that professionals offer?
DIY Pest Control vs. Hiring the Professionals: What’s the Best For You?
Deciding on DIY pest control vs. hiring a company comes down to weighing the pros and cons.
Do-it-yourself pest control is often cheaper (unless it keeps failing), and you can choose the products you use, whether essential oils or a store-bought solution. On the flip side, you may have limited expertise with pest control, meaning you may need to learn how to locate the problem areas of the pests and effectively eliminate them. DIY pest control can also be highly time-consuming and offer only short-term solutions without guaranteeing long-term effectiveness. Additionally, you may just be too scared to get rid of pests on your own, especially if they’re giant spiders.
Professional technicians have tackled several types of pest takeovers, and the size of your infestation does not intimidate them. They know how to eliminate pests of all shapes and sizes and keep them from returning to your property. However, professional pest control requires a bigger budget upfront, and companies usually require you to sign a contract if you’re signing up for an ongoing plan. You also don’t have as much control over what products are used, although most companies use pet and kid-friendly solutions that aren’t harsh for people or the environment.
Ultimately, consider each’s benefits and limitations and determine which is best for your property and pest problem. However, if you’re dealing with a nasty infestation, don’t let it get out of hand—call the professionals immediately before it’s too late.
Hire a Professional Pest Control Team in Southern California
Have you tried the do-it-yourself route without success? Don’t worry—Preventive Pest Control is here to help. With our advanced technology and proven track record of success, we’re experts at long-term extermination. We run thorough inspections, implement a course of action, and perform preventative measures to keep pests off your property. We’ll also give you tips to keep your home or business pest-free year-round.
Preventive Pest Control has been a trusted extermination company in the Inland Empire and Orange County for over 20 years. Contact our team for lasting pest solutions in Southern California.