Pest control: why you should hire a professional
Is there really any risk to skipping the professional and managing your pest control yourself?
The risks of DIY pest control
Undertaking pest control on your own can be a huge task. If you’re not an expert you may be surprised by the amount of research, planning, and effort it takes to treat infestations and maintain a pest free home. Furthermore, you run the risk of exacerbating the problem. Disturbing a nest could scatter pests throughout your home, while failing to address a termite problem effectively could result in serious structural damage.
While pest control products are advertised as being safe to use, there are health risks associated with attempting your own extermination. Many chemicals are safe in the recommended quantities, but when applied incorrectly can be dangerous to your family and pets. The pests themselves may also be a threat to your health, as some rodents and wildlife carry disease, and insects may sting and bite.
When a professional pest exterminator needs to be called in, the prior use of store bought products can compromise the effectiveness of the professional treatment. For example, they may use baits which are rendered less effective by the presence of other chemicals. While it may be cheaper initially to buy the products and DIY pest control, it can end up costing you much more in the long run to have a professional pest control company correct the job.
What a professional pest control contractor can offer
Like many professions, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to pest control. The most obvious advantage of hiring a professional exterminator is that they do this for a living. Training, expertise, and experience allow an exterminator to make the most accurate assessment of your home, taking into consideration size, infestation type and severity, as well as numerous other factors.
A professional pest control company will have access to high tech equipment, and be aware of the most suitable chemicals and treatments for the job. They are fully trained to use hazardous chemicals and can guarantee your family’s safety. A thorough knowledge of pests, including their life cycle, behaviours, and nesting habits is also a distinct advantage. They will devise an ongoing monitoring and prevention plan, and remind you when new treatments need to be done. Best of all, a professional pest exterminator should offer a guarantee on their work, so you won’t have to worry about further expenses if you find more pests.
How to find the right professional
Don’t be afraid to shop around when it comes to professional pest control. The right company will make you feel confident and secure in your choice. Look for a guarantee on all work completed, and check how long the guarantee is valid for. It’s important to make sure that you will be covered if you find any more pests. The company should also have insurance- it’s okay to ask for proof!
Ask lots of questions. A professional pest exterminator should be able to answer your queries about the pests in your home, the recommended treatment, the products being used, and so forth. You should be provided with a report on the condition of your home, and the treatment they propose. Compare reports and quotes from different companies if you don’t feel comfortable with the first one. Check whether the company belongs to a larger organisation, for example, the The Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association, which is a non-profit organisation devoted to supporting the pest control industry.
Find a pest control company using our home improvement directory.
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