When it comes to household pests like spiders, ants, roaches, and termites, there are several options for pest control to choose from. Should you use do-it-yourself pest control? Should you call a professional pest control company like Thermal Specialists? What is the difference? What are the pros and cons of each? Here we break down the advantages and disadvantages of DIY vs professional pest control.
Expertise: The key to effective pest control is proper identification. Appropriate treatment depends on the species of the pest, how far the infestation has spread, the size of the home, climate, and many other factors. DIY pest control products have labels with directions and warnings that are fairly simple to follow. Professionals like Thermal Specialists, however, have the knowledge and training on industry trends and groundbreaking products that may not be readily available to household consumers. They know key indicators to look for and can provide quick assessments and effective treatments.
Cost: Cost is one of the biggest factors that influence DIY vs professional pest control treatments. While do-it-yourself products are typically less expensive than commercial products, they can end up costing you more in the long run. Most homeowners don’t treat a pest problem until they spot them; unfortunately, by this point, the infestation is usually already established. This could end up costing significantly more in treatment and damage repair costs than a professional service like Thermal Specialists would. Professional pest control services can be more costly initially but save you over time through prevention.
Convenience: DIY products are certainly convenient – you just head to your local hardware store and pick up what you need. Professional services like Thermal Specialists have to be coordinated around their availability and your schedule, sometimes requiring you to be at home for the service.
Hazard: Using chemicals of any kind can pose a hazard to yourself, your family, and your pets. DIY products can contain chemicals that the average consumer may not be familiar with. This can pose a threat to your and your family’s health. With a professional service like Thermal Specialists, the risk to the homeowner is taken away. Green pest control options are also available which are safe for both you and your pets.
Effectiveness: The ultimate goal of any pest control treatment is effectiveness – you want it to work. With DIY methods, you usually only treat the areas where you see an active problem. These products are effective for small pest problems but typically aren’t strong enough or don’t last long enough for significant infestations. Pests are also highly adaptable and can become resistant to many chemicals used in these products. Professional pest control treatments like those offered by Thermal Specialists use the most up-to-date methods and products. They can also treat areas where infestations have spread that you may not see such as inside walls, in attics, and crawlspaces.
Prevention: As previously mentioned, most DIY products are designed to be used for an active problem. Oftentimes, these products aren’t used until after an infestation is already established. With a professional service like Thermal Specialists, visits are set on a scheduled basis whether there is an active pest problem or not. This allows the technician to use preventative measures when infestations are gone to keep them from flourishing in your home.
When you have a pest problem, the main concern is getting it taken care of quickly and effectively whether that is through DIY methods or a professional service like Thermal Specialists. Every situation is different and the main concern is the appropriate treatment for each individual situation. If you suspect you have a pest problem or would like a quote on services, contact Thermal Specialists at 518-310-3051.