Does DIY Pest Control Work?
This week we’re taking a look at DIY pest control. A pest controllers' ‘phone regularly rings with stories from customers who’ve tried unsuccessfully to deal with a pest control problem themselves.
Often, we’ll get calls from people who started with a small pest issue that they attempted to handle themselves with various potions they’ve purchased off the internet only to find that they haven’t solved the pest issue, the infestation has got significantly worse and they’re now out of pocket!
We popped into a well-known national DIY store recently to check out the DIY pest control products on the market and were amazed at how many products were out there.
There were literally dozens on the shelves and when we looked on the internet they run into thousands.
Top 5 Reasons Why you Should be Wary about Undertaking DIY Pest Control Yourself
You don’t know what you’re doing.
Unless you’ve been trained to the same standards as professional pest controllers, it’s unlikely you’ll have the same knowledge and, more importantly, experience as they do. This knowledge, training and experience is essential for resolving pest problems quickly, effectively and humanely.
You don’t know what you’re buying.
Whilst products in reputable stores which have been through rigorous approval processes might be okay, the internet is an unregulated space and it’s very easy to buy a box or can of something with very little idea of what’s actually in it or whether it has passed, or even been through, a quality control process.
You don’t know what you’re eradicating.
Professional pest controllers are trained to carry out risk assessments and follow codes of practice to ensure that non-target species aren’t harmed when controlling pests. Imagine how horrified most of you would be to find out that in eradicating the pesky rats in your garden at the same time you accidentally poisoned your family pet, a barn owl or other non-target species.
You might make the situation worse.
There are various reasons why you might inadvertently make the situation worse but just a couple are that your DIY pest control may not work or work effectively meaning that you could very quickly increase a pest population over a short period of time. Also, some pests are resistant to some chemicals and the more DIY chemicals used, the more the pests evolve to become resistant and that’s a problem for us all!
You could spend more in the long run.
A pest treatment might seem expensive to you but consider this, repeatedly purchasing DIY products that don’t deal with the issue will soon add up. And, some pests have the ability to cause significant damage. An electric cable gnawed by mice or rats is not only dangerous but could prove costly to put right. And, our wood boring friends such as the Death Watch beetle, have the capacity to cause serious structural problems to properties.
DIY PEST CONTROL Tips that WON’T COST A PENNY!
Keep your windows and doors shut from pests.
Remove your rubbish regularly and keep your bin lids on.
Clear up spills and leftovers as soon as you’ve finished eating.
Practice good hygiene, clean surfaces regularly; hoover and mop floors.
Avoid buying natural fibres that might attract certain pests such as woollen rugs.
Move things around your garden regularly to keep the rats on their toes – rats are neo-phobic which means they have a fear of new objects!
Keep your garden tidy and cut back.
DIY pest control can be a tempting option for homeowners looking to save money and take matters into their own hands.
There are several reasons why DIY pest control is a bad idea:
Lack of expertise: Pest control professionals have the training and experience to accurately identify pests and determine the best course of action for treatment. DIY solutions may not effectively target the specific type of pest, leading to continued infestations.
Ineffective treatment: Pesticides and other pest control methods can be dangerous if not used properly. DIY treatments may not be applied correctly, leading to ineffective results or even harm to humans and pets.
Health and safety concerns: Pesticides and other pest control chemicals can be toxic and may pose a risk to humans and pets if handled improperly. Professionals are trained to safely handle and apply these products to minimize the risk of exposure.
Damage to property: Improper application of pest control methods can result in damage to your home or yard. For example, using too much pesticide can kill plants or damage lawns.
Legal issues: In some cases, it may be illegal to use certain pest control methods or products without the proper training or licensing.
Conclusion:
While DIY pest control may seem like a cost-effective solution, it is often more effective and safer to hire a professional pest control company.
If you are experiencing a pest issue then give your local pest controller a call. A professional pest controller will be happy to discuss the issue with you and explore the best options for dealing with your pest problem.
For all your pest problems give PGM and Son Rat Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire a call on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480.
If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the live chat facility on our website and if we’re not available on the live chat for any reason then there’s a handy message service for you to leave your details so we can call you back.
We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call and we'll help solve your pest problems.
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