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What should be done before attempting DIY pest control?

Aug 5, 2022

For homeowners or property managers looking to save some money, “do-it-yourself” (also known as DIY) pest control can seem to be a tempting option. However, it can also be risky if performed incorrectly, using the wrong products or in the wrong amounts, or applied in the wrong places for the specific pest problems you may be encountering in your home or business. It can also end up being more expensive than expected, especially if it doesn’t work well enough the first time around and must be repeated several times. There are several steps that you should take before attempting DIY pest control. You may even consider having a free estimate performed by a local pest control agency, such as West Termite, Pest & Lawn, in order to make a final decision about what to do to control your pest issues.

Things you should do before attempting DIY pest control

Before taking on the task of doing your own pest control, you need to take several steps to be sure that you are going to work safely, and efficiently, because pest control products can be very strong and must be used carefully for the sake of your health and that of your family or other household members.

Do your research

Thoroughly research the type of pest problem you are encountering, so that you know what kind of product and treatment method you’ll need to use. You’ll have to figure out everything that is needed for the specific pest problem, or unique combination of issues, that you are experiencing in your home. If you misidentify your pest problem, you might end up performing a whole array of pest control treatments that don’t make your real issues go away because they don’t address the correct kind of pest. Also, if you don’t make the right plan to control your pests, even if properly identified, you might end up making the problem worse by wasting time and allowing the pest population to increase.

Purchase the right product in the correct amounts

You’ll need to calculate how much of whichever product is needed for your pest control issue for all of the places you’ll need to apply it–yet another factor you must determine for yourself. If you don’t calculate accurately, you may end up buying too much or not enough of the products needed, or you might apply it in the wrong places if you don’t know what you’re doing. You could end up wasting money by buying too much, or, you could end up using too little product and allowing your pest problem to multiply to the point that it requires even more treatment to address.

Rely on your own knowledge of pest control

The hardest part of DIY pest control is having to rely on your own knowledge and experience in one of the least pleasant parts of owning a home or business–dealing with nasty pests.

Let West Termite, Pest & Lawn help. Call us today!

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