Is DIY Pest Control Worth It?

cockroaches inside on a windowsill

cockroaches inside on a windowsillAt first glance, it’s easy to think that DIY pest control is a great way to save time, money, and unneeded hassle. Why wait for a professional exterminator when you can solve an infestation on your own with a quick trip to the hardware store? It seems so simple – and that right there might be the problem. Do-it-yourself pest control can, in fact, result in significant downsides if done by someone without the right training. If you don’t know what you’re doing you can actually hurt yourself, those who live with you, and your home. So if you’re considering this approach, you need to make sure you understand the risks involved.

 

What Are the Risks of DIY Pest Control?

There’s a lot that can go wrong if you try to handle a pest infestation on your own. You might overuse toxic pesticide, kill beneficial insects, get bitten or stung or simply waste money on products that don’t work. Every home pest control tactic comes with risks, whether you misuse toxic pesticides or get shocked by poorly installed bug zappers. It’s important to make sure that anything you use comes with instructions. and that you follow these guides to the letter in order to prevent any of the risks listed below.

Negligence

If you use pesticides without taking the proper level of care and it goes poorly, you may be held liable for any damage caused. This could look like spraying pesticides in an unventilated room and leaving toxic fumes in the air. Or the problem might be as simple as eradicating a species of pest that’s considered endangered and protected by law. These are only two examples that may result in civil, and even criminal liability. As stated above, there’s no such thing as too much research when it comes to poison and the safety of yourself and others.

Pesticide Exposure

It isn’t difficult to imagine that pesticide exposure can be bad for your health, regardless of whether or not it’s used correctly. But these chemicals can do more than hurt you. If you misuse pesticides during a DIY pest control treatment, you run the risk of leaking toxic chemicals into the soil of your property. It can render food poisonous, water toxic, and any animals or people that depend on either fatally ill. That’s why ventilation is so important when applying pesticides indoors. And. if working on spraying the exterior of your home, it’s especially crucial to make sure every window is closed to prevent from poisoning anyone inside.

When not in use, pesticides should be kept out of reach of children or animals, and the space where they were applied vacated until the chemical has had a chance to dissipate.

Health and Safety Issues   

Do-it-yourself pest control is especially risky if done by or done around sensitive individuals. Pregnant women and young children are among the kinds of people that should avoid areas where pesticides have recently been used. And if you are working with pesticides, you should always make sure that you’re wearing the right protective equipment – including a mask and eye goggles in areas where there might still be pests or rodents. Doing all this will not only limit the risk of pesticide exposure but also protect you from potential bites or stings from the swarm that you might encounter. You’ll also be protected from pest droppings, which may contain harmful bacteria or roundworms. And once you apply the pesticide, you should carefully research into the proper methods to sanitize the space to prevent any insects or rodents from returning.

Leave it to the Pros

By now you’ve probably gathered that home pest control isn’t as clear-cut as you might have assumed. With all the precautions needed to keep things safe, it becomes clear why many choose to leave extermination to the professionals. At Southern Pest Control, our team has the ongoing training and experience to clear any home or business on the Mississippi Gulf Coast of pests and keep them from returning. We know how to tackle an infestation at its source. Every property is different, though, which is why we come to everyone we serve with an innovative strategy that’s personalized for their needs. That’s why we suggest you skip the hardware store and contact us today.