Pest control is big business. According to the National Pest Management Association, Americans spend more than $20.4 billion a year on pest control services. And that number is only going to go up as the world becomes increasingly populated, and homes become smaller and closer together.

With that kind of money at stake, it’s no wonder that people are always looking for new and better ways to take care of pests on their own. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control methods. People are attracted by the promise of saving money and avoiding the harsh chemicals used in professional pest control treatments.

But is DIY pest control really worth it? Are there any real benefits to be had from trying to take care of pests on your own? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of DIY pest control:

PROS

Let’s start with the positives:

Cost Savings

DIY pest control can be a great way to save money since you won’t have to pay a professional exterminator. You also don’t need to purchase expensive equipment or products, meaning that the cost savings can be significant.

For example, there are a variety of natural repellents that you can use to get rid of pests, such as essential oils and even certain plants. These are much cheaper than traditional chemical pest control methods.

Control and Flexibility

With DIY pest control, you have complete control over how you handle the problem and when you do it. This gives you flexibility in how you approach the pest problem, allowing for more effective solutions tailored specifically to your situation.

In addition, DIY pest control methods tend to be less intrusive than pest control company treatments. This can be especially helpful if you have pets or young children in the house. And since you can do the work yourself, there’s no need to wait for a technician to come and do it.

Safety

When done correctly, DIY pest control does not pose any major health risks when compared to professional solutions, which often employ harsh chemicals and other potentially hazardous materials. In addition, since you are in control of the process, you can ensure that all safety precautions are taken.

However, it’s important to remember that any pest control method can be dangerous if not used properly. Be sure to research the products you’re using and follow all instructions carefully.

Experience

DIY pest control gives you the opportunity to learn more about pests and their behavior, enabling you to become more knowledgeable on future occurrences as well as better prepared for them.

This can also be a great way to gain experience with more serious infestations in the future, allowing you to possibly even prevent them.

Eco-Friendly

Choosing a safe, natural product for DIY pest control as opposed to harsh chemicals employed by pest control companies is eco-friendly and helps preserve the environment around us while still getting rid of pests effectively and safely.

Moreover, natural DIY bed bugs control solutions are biodegradable, meaning that they will eventually break down into harmless substances without leaving any sort of lasting impact on the environment.

Still, it is important to keep in mind that some natural products can actually be more harmful than traditional chemical solutions, so be sure to do your research before using any product.

Accessible Resources

With so much information available online through sites like YouTube and blogs, there is no shortage of resources available for those looking towards DIY eradicate pests over professional service, which often requires expensive consultations or visits from a technician before they can begin work.

With most of the materials needed to tackle a pest infestation available at your local hardware store, it’s never been easier to start tackling a problem without having to wait for an exterminator

Personal Satisfaction

Many people find personal satisfaction in taking care of problems themselves rather than having someone else do it for them. With DIY pest control, this sense of accomplishment is even stronger since exterminators are often seen as “magicians” who just show up and make pest problems disappear without anyone ever knowing what was actually done or how it was done.

DIY pest control can give you a sense of ownership over the problem and the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have successfully taken care of it on your own.

Variety of Products Available

There are many different types of products available for use with DIY pest control ranging from sprays and traps to deterrents such as ultrasonic devices, which emit high-frequency sounds that repel pests away from your home.

These products come in a wide variety of price points, so you can find something that fits your budget and still gets the job done. Furthermore, many of these products are safe to use around pets and children, making them even more attractive for those looking for a pest control solution.

CONS

Let’s not forget there are some drawbacks to DIY pest control.

Time and Effort

DIY pest control can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. It often involves repeated spraying of products over the affected areas, as well as setting up traps which must then be monitored. And in some cases, it can take multiple applications before pests are completely eradicated.

Even though products are often readily available, the time and effort needed to apply them properly can be considerable. And if the infestation is particularly severe, professional help may be required.

Lack of Expertise

In order to get rid of pests properly with DIY methods, one needs expertise on both the type of pest being dealt with as well as an understanding of various methods used in controlling them. Without these two pieces of knowledge, any attempt at controlling them might end up being ineffective due to a lack of experience or using inappropriate methods/products.

While there is a wealth of information available online, it’s important to remember that DIY pest control methods should only be used if you are confident in your knowledge and abilities. Otherwise, professional help may be needed. And many pest control companies are there for you to offer a free thorough inspection.

Risky Solutions

Due to the lack of expertise mentioned above, some people may attempt risky solutions such as using traps incorrectly or incorrect amounts/types of pesticides without understanding the ramifications associated with such actions, which could lead to further harm both for themselves (e.g., skin irritation) or their property (e.g., damage caused by incorrect placement or usage).

For this reason, it’s important to do your research and always follow directions when using DIY pest control solutions. Also, it’s essential to remember that some solutions may be illegal and therefore should not be attempted.

Unforeseen Cost Increase

If done incorrectly, some methods used in doing your own pest control may end up costing more than expected due to either correcting mistakes made during implementation or buying additional materials/equipment required in order to finish the job properly (e.g., needing additional traps after setting up incorrect ones).

Therefore, it pays to do your research and be prepared for any potential costs associated with DIY quarterly pest control before embarking on the project. Your best bet is to purchase the materials you need prior to starting and make sure they are compatible with the job you’re trying to do.

Impact on Other Areas

Some forms of DIY pest prevention may target particular areas but inadvertently cause an impact on others due to insufficient knowledge (e.g., eliminating bugs but causing damage to nearby plants).

Additionally, spraying certain areas could impact surrounding animals/insects that are beneficial, thus creating an imbalance in nature’s balance which could potentially cause further issues down the line if not taken into account beforehand.

Potential Health Issues

Pesticides used in some forms of DIY pest control may contain toxic elements that present serious health risks both on immediate contact (i.e., skin irritations) or long-term ingestion when not handled properly (i.e., cancer). Therefore, caution should be taken when using any form of pesticide regardless of whether doing it yourself or with a professional pest control service, and one should always wear protective gear when doing so.

Likewise, the improper use of traps can also put yourself, your family, and your pets at risk due to potential injuries and diseases that could be caused by contact with trapped rodents.

Limited Effectiveness

Depending on the type/severity of the infestation, some forms of DIY are perhaps less effective than hiring a professional due to limited resources available to inexperienced individuals attempting to handle the situation themselves.

In this case, it’s important to weigh the cost/benefit ratio between hiring a professional versus DIY and determine which solution offers the best bang for your buck.

Messy Cleanup Process

Although this con applies mostly to physical traps set up outdoors, such as rats/mice, the cleanup process associated with kill traps can be pretty messy depending amount of debris left behind after the animal has been disposed of.

In addition, some DIY solutions may require certain post-treatment steps, such as vacuuming up dead bugs or wiping down surfaces that have been treated with chemicals, which can be a time-consuming and tedious task.

Decreased Property Value

If done incorrectly or without the proper permits, some DIY pest control solutions may unintentionally reduce the value of your property due to potential health risks or damage caused by incorrect implementation. Therefore, it’s important to research and confirm any legal requirements associated with your chosen method before doing it yourself.

Imagine spending months trying to get rid of ants in your kitchen only to find out that your solution has caused a potential health hazard and, as a result, decreased the resale value of your home.

Less Satisfactory Results

As mentioned previously, some DIY pest control solutions may not be as effective in targeting the infestation as hiring a professional. Therefore, it’s important to consider the severity of the problem and determine whether or not it warrants an expert to handle it for you rather than trying to do it yourself.

Also, it’s important to remember that DIY pest control involves trial and error, so results are not guaranteed and can take time to achieve. With this in mind, it might be smarter to simply hire a professional if the infestation is particularly severe or pressing.

Not only is this approach time-consuming, but it may also present fewer results than hiring a professional.

Worst Unforeseen Issues

Doing DIY pest control may also cause worse unforeseen issues, such as allergic reactions or respiratory problems. Therefore, it’s important to always use caution when attempting to do it yourself and ensure that all safety measures are taken into account beforehand.

It is also advisable to consult a professional if the severity of the infestation warrants it or if the results of DIY solutions are not satisfactory. And remember, DIY solutions are not always the safest option and could potentially cause more harm than good.

The decision to do it yourself or hire a professional ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and the type of pest that needs to be eradicated.

Conclusion

There are both pros and cons to doing DIY pest control. On the one hand, it can be a great way for someone to take responsibility for their own home and save on the cost of hiring an exterminator in the process.

However, it must also be kept in mind that this comes with its own risks, such as the lack of expertise needed to properly address the infestation or health issues from improper use of certain products. Therefore, it is recommended that one weigh all these factors before deciding whether DIY pest control is right for them or not.

Need Help with Pest Control?

If you’re in need of pest control services in Bentonville, AR, contact the professionals at Flex Pest Control. As one of the professional pest control companies, we have years of experience and expertise in dealing with a wide range of pests, from rodents to bugs and more! From preventative to reactive pest control treatment, we’ve got it all covered. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help make your home pest-free!

We look forward to hearing from you soon!