When should you hire a pest control professional? If you are even considering it, the answer is probably now.
You may be thinking, “of course they would recommend professional pest control.” After all, we are a pest control company. While we admit the possibility of some bias, our experience consistently proves that the longer you wait to hire a professional, the worse your problem will get.
So before you start driving around town for store-bought insect killers, learn why and when you should call in the pros.
Why Should I Hire a Pest Control Professional?
Unwanted guests can enter building structures through extremely small cracks and gaps. Although it may not be possible to completely rid your home or business of all pests, there are many ways to seriously reduce the possibility of pest problems.
We highly recommend exclusion techniques (air sealing, for instance), proper sanitation and other preventative measures, but it’s also important to seek the service of a professional. Every property is different and you can save a lot of time and money by simply consulting an experienced pest management professional.
It’s also recommended that you sign up for year-round maintenance with a professional pest control company such as ABC Home & Commercial Services. These regularly scheduled pest control inspections and maintenance will prevent pest problems before they occur.
Should I Use Store-Bought Pesticides?
Sprays, foggers and chemical pesticides should be used only as a last resort. There are many safety concerns associated with these products even if you do follow the instructions carefully.
If you do resort to drug store foggers and sprays, you might think the job is done, but most likely, the critters are simply hiding out. When the chemicals subside and it’s safe to reenter the home, they will do so at their first chance.
The sprays or foggers may work on some of the population, but the survivors will develop a resistance to the product, multiplying and coming back stronger than ever. This is often the case with cockroach infestations, especially German cockroaches.
While you may feel like you are saving money by taking care of the problem yourself, more often than not, the problem will return, a vicious cycle that burns holes in your wallet. Additionally, many pesticides are highly toxic and especially harmful to pets, the young and the elderly.
It’s best to save the time and money and schedule an appointment with a pro.
Renting or Selling a Property?
Another reason why you might want to call a professional is if you are in the process of renting or selling a house or property. The law often requires a property inspection by a certified pest control professional. Unless you are certified, you won’t be able to this yourself.
Professional pest control and regular inspections and maintenance will keep your property healthy and pest-free. Speak with a pest control professional from ABC Home & Commercial Services for more information.
When Should I Call for Professional Pest Control?
If you are a business, especially in the food, health care or hospitality industry, it’s crucial to develop a partnership with a pest control provider. That way, if a pest problem does occur, you aren’t left scrambling. Regularly scheduled pest control inspections are wise investment. Learn how pest control can help track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
While some pest management companies will recommend monthly treatments regardless of your problem, a good company will customize your schedule. A few picnic ants may not warrant a year of monthly treatments, but carpenter ants that appear every spring and rats every fall do.
Signs of a Pest Problem:
- Dead bugs
- Insect skins, wings and shells
- Animals droppings
- Damaged food/products
- Nests and burrows
- Odd sounds and smells
- Chewed wires and other objects
- Damaged plants or lawn
- Moles holes and ant hills
- Blood stains and fecal spots
If you notice any of these signs of a pest problem, contact a local pest control specialist who specializes in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In the meantime, there is a lot you can do to prevent pests from moving in. The best way to eliminate pest problems is to prevent them from entering in the first place.
Insects and rodents reproduce very quickly and if you don’t act fast, your DIY approach could backfire and turn into a full-blown infestation.
Additional Reasons to Seek Professional Help:
- If the solution is dangerous. Bee hives, wasp nests, critters in your walls and attacks require proper removal. Whether the solution demands trapping, exclusion or sealing up entry points, a pest management professional will know how to properly identify and safely get rid of pests.
- If the pests keep coming back. One insects or bug here and there may not be anything to worry about, but if you start noticing a pattern of recurring infestations, only a professional pest control can solve your problems for good.
- If anyone in the household has asthma, allergies or weak immune systems.
- If you are concerned with over-the-counter chemicals and pesticides. Many store-bought pest sprays contain dangerous toxins that could be harmful to you and your family. We highly recommend speaking with a professional pest control expert before using any chemicals in or around your home or business.
Pests can damage product, property and reputations. In some cases, pests can trigger dangerous allergies and transmit harmful diseases, such as E. coli and salmonella.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to pest problems in your home or business. A licensed professional pest management company will know how to integrate non-chemical and chemical tactics to eradicate pests in the safest and most environmental way possible. By finding the source and getting rid of vulnerable areas, pests will stay away for good.
ABC is a leader in residential and commercial pest management solutions. Using Integrated Pest Management, ABC protects people and the environment by using a less toxic pest control program. It’s also a lot more effective and economical in the long run.
Learn more about our residential and commercial pest control programs.
For more information on keeping pests out, contact ABC Home & Commercial! We only send highly licensed and certified specialists with extensive training in Integrative Pest Management. We treat your home or business as we would our own.
