Many people think that do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control is a good solution for your Arizona home or business. It’s similar to watching a home improvement show on HGTV and thinking that you can easily demo and completely re-do a room in your house in just a day or two. People assume that taking pest control matters into their own hands costs less than hiring a professional. And, many think that spraying insecticide couldn’t be that hard. But, we want to explain why do-it yourself pest control isn’t a good idea. As a matter of fact it can cost you more money in the end.

So, before you run to the nearest home improvement store to try and get rid of the pests around your home or office, here are a few things to consider before you take pest control matters into your own hands.

1. Why is do it yourself pest control not a good idea?

There are so many pest control products out there and knowing which ones work for your specific issue and how to properly use them takes lots of experience.

We’ve worked with many customers who have had a pest issue, such as ticks, fleas, roaches, bed bugs, rodents, termites, etc. and they try to fix the problem themselves. They might do online research or look at products at a local store to try and figure out how to take care of the pest problem on their own. They proceed with excitement from what little knowledge they have and are positive that they can handle the issue. They spend precious time, money, and resources only to become frustrated and defeated. Often, they barely read the label so they aren’t properly using the products. More importantly, they don’t know how to protect themselves and others from undue harm. After all, these are chemicals and must be used safely.

Also, the more time a pest problem goes untreated properly, the worse it can become. After a period of time, when the problem isn’t getting any better, you finally call a professional. More often than not the professional you call not only has to fix the pest control problem, but also overcome the mistakes that were made which may have made the pest issue worse. 

For example, a homeowner might use a product that is a repellent. A repellant causes the pests to scatter all over the place when a non-repellent product would have contained and eliminated the issue in a timely and efficient manner. 

Pest control professionals make it look easy because we have access to the proper training and the experience to handle any issues that you might have. And similarly, if I’m honest, I thought that I knew how to paint a wall myself until I hired a professional painter and I realized that it’s best to leave that task to an expert!

2. What’s the difference between commercial pest control chemicals and what consumers can buy?

There are lots of products out there for use. Not all are created equal. Some may have the same active ingredients but not the same inert ingredients that can make all the difference in the world. There are some products that both professionals and non-professionals can purchase, but many pest control products require a license to purchase and use.  Knowing the properties of a product and how to use it is very important.

You MUST take the time to read the entire label to know how it works from properly mixing, to properly applying, to using the proper personal protective equipment.  The site use is one of the most important parts of the label.  Spray too close to a water source with fish and you may end up with dead fish on your hands.  Apply improperly and you could affect the local ground water.  Apply incorrectly and you could cause a variety of damage or worse consequences.

3. How much training does a pest control specialist need to have?

A pest control specialist needs to be licensed within the state where they operate. They must take exams for what they will be doing and have continual training. They are also continually monitored by a supervisor.  A new pest specialist will be able to do all the basics, but over time they will be acquainted with the nuances of the job and eventually will be able to rapidly access any situation. We are always learning no matter how long we’ve been in the industry.

In a similar fashion, in theory you could cut your own hair, but it will never look as good as getting your hair cut by a professional.

4. Can it be dangerous to spray certain chemicals in or around my house?

Yes, it can be very dangerous to spray certain chemicals in or around your house.  If you do not know the product and how to properly apply it, do not ever use it. That’s especially true if you have kids or pets in your home.

5. What is the average cost for monthly pest control service? Is it expensive?

It might be less expensive than you might think to hire a pest control professional. The cost of service really depends on the targeted pests you want to eliminate, the products that are needed and how much time it will take to complete the job. General basic monthly pest control for an average house doing maintenance could run around $50 a month. To get started on a 2,500 sq. ft. house, Alpha Pest Control, located in metro Phoenix, charges an initial fee of around $150 for accessing the property, answering questions, coming up with a plan, and the first treatment. Termite jobs are priced based on the specific issue at a home or business. Beware of the sales people who say they are going to take care of your pest control needs for a cheap price. You get what you pay for. Hiring a professional team like Alpha Pest Control is worth the peace of mind.

For a more accurate quote please contact your Arizona pest control specialists at Alpha Pest Control. You can call or test us at 480-968-0414, fill out our online form or email us at [email protected].