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Do DIY Pest Control Products Work?

Do DIY Pest Control Products Work?

We’ve all done it. You see a cockroach in your home, attempt to kill it in an unhinged panic, all the while anxiously hoping that there are no other offenders on your premises. While sometimes this can be the case, so often there are numerous ‘friends’ lurking right around the corner, in the entryway, by your pet’s food, or even under the bed. 

When you encounter any type of bug in your home, the idea of DIY pest control can often be tempting. It can sometimes seem cheaper to buy cockroach-killing sprays or contraptions in the short term. That said, these ‘quick fix’ options typically are not an effective long-term pest control solution. Below are reasons from Palmetto Exterminators on why DIY pest control can be a gamble.

1. Underestimating the Problem 

One of the many reasons DIY pest control can be ineffective is because people often underestimate the pest control problem they have on their hands. There is a difference between spotting one small insect and an already built nest in or around your home. The difficulty lies in spotting the differences between these two problems which can be a challenging task for an untrained eye. Pests are good at hiding and even better at hiding the potential damage they can cause your home. DIY pest products focus mainly on what you can see and not what is hidden.

2. Misuse of Products 

There are many different DIY pest control products out there, as well as many products claiming to be a single-product solution for all of the big pest control problems. It can be a challenge to determine which solution will actually be the best solution for your at-home problem while also being conscious of product cost. 

Once you actually find a product that checks these boxes, you have to understand how to properly use it. Traps, baits, pesticides, sprays that appear to be easy to use can often be quite overwhelming. However, if you do not know what to use and how to use it, you are likely not going to effectively solve your pest control problem. 

3. Wasting More Money

As previously mentioned, DIY pest control methods can be deceptively cheap, which is often the reason people are tempted to purchase them. With that in mind, if you buy the wrong products or use the solution in the wrong way it will actually fail to address the problem at hand and potentially cost you more money to fix than to have originally solved the problem to begin with. Additionally, if you have a more serious problem that is not dealt with in a timely manner, it can end up being quite costly. 

4. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Pest control products often can contain toxic chemicals. If a product contains toxic chemicals and is used incorrectly, you could potentially be putting yourself and those who live in your home at risk of toxic exposure. This includes pesticides, which can pose high risks if not used properly. Palmetto Exterminators has a team of experts familiar with these chemicals, who know how to apply solutions to your home without putting you, your kids, or your furry friends at risk. They also are supplied with the proper attire for protecting themselves. With DIY solutions, you have to be conscious to wear the appropriate attire for self-protection. 

5. Less Effective

DIY pest control products will almost always be less effective than professional services. There is more margin for user error, they often are composed of chemicals with less strength, and there can be additional potential effectiveness variables associated with DIY products. Without the proper products, experience, and pest knowledge, DIY products simply can not compare to professional services from your local pest control company, like Palmetto Exterminators.

DIY Pest Control vs Hiring A Professional

It is tempting to try your hand at DIY pest control solutions, but if you want something long-lasting, effective, and safe, your best bet is to hire a professional pest control service like Palmetto Exterminators. While it may be more expensive in the short term, it will be the most effective and efficient way to solve your pest problems. If you are in need of a pest control service, please contact us at (800) 585 – 8019. With over 57 years of experience, Palmetto Exterminators has the knowledge and experience to offer extermination services for any of your pest problems.