Pests come in all shapes and sizes and some are more difficult to combat than others. Some pests can even be dangerous and it can be a challenge to get them away from your home. Several people like to do things for themselves that they might otherwise hire someone to do. It is never advised to do your own pest control. Understanding pests is a science that takes time to fully understand and the professionals who work in the pest control field are trained and skilled in what they do. They will complete a thorough inspection to properly identify the pests and determine the best treatment plan.

We offer free estimates for pest control services for ants, stinging insects, ticks, fleas, rodents and various other pests. If you have pests on your property in Northern Virginia, you should make sure they are taken care of by professionals. 

Dangerous: Doing your own pest control exposes you to various different pesticides and other chemicals which can be dangerous. While chemicals have labels with detailed instructions on them, people often fail to read them thoroughly or follow them. Failing to follow directions on chemicals is actually illegal and goes against EPA guidelines. Oftentimes people will not know which chemicals can mix together and it can be dangerous because some of them can have certain adverse reactions. Using chemicals is also an environmental risk because the chemicals can get into water sources and cause issues.

Some people and pets can have reactions to chemicals. Chemicals can be useful for certain things if used properly but more often than not it can be used improperly and present  a risk to you and members of your household. Pest control isn’t just about which chemicals work and which ones don’t. A pest control technician will be able to identify which areas are most affected and how to best manage the situation. 

Sometimes the pests themselves can be dangerous to work with or be around. For example stinging insects or rodents. Stinging insects inflict painful and potentially dangerous stings. If you are allergic to wasps, bees or hornets, a sting from one of them might cause an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. If you are stung, you will need to seek out emergency medical attention. Rodents like mice and rats carry viruses and diseases and can actually bite people and even pets.

Ineffective: When you do you own pest control, it can be less effective than having someone do it for you. The chemicals on the market available for personal use are not as effective as chemicals used by pest control companies. Pest control companies possess licenses that allow them to treat and use certain chemicals. Also you might not be using the right chemicals for the pest issue you are having or you might be placing them in the wrong area. When you use the wrong chemicals or solution you can actually make matters worse and prolong the situation.

If you apply the wrong chemical for the pest you are trying to treat or to the wrong area, you are wasting chemicals which are wasting your money. Also you are wasting your time, because if the treatments aren’t effectively treating the pest issue, you could have had them treated professionally and not spent your time trying to do it yourself. Pest professionals have the knowledge, expertise and experience it takes to understand pests and their behaviors. Additionally, pest control companies have access to equipment and chemicals that can’t be purchased by homeowners.

Costly: If you attempt to do your own pest control, it can end up being very costly. There are various chemicals on the market for purchase that can add up if you buy several of them. Using the wrong products can also contribute to the cost and make it more expensive to try to treat the issue. Pest control companies have access to stronger chemicals and the treatment is more successful and more cost effective than if you were trying to complete the pest control yourself. Most of the time, pest control treatments are less expensive than than chemicals that you will buy.