Why DIY Pest Control Does Not Work

DIY pest control rarely works. If you’ve already tried to get rid of them on your own, you’ve probably reached this same conclusion and are now here because you are wondering why it failed. Or perhaps you are currently experiencing a problem and are looking for a solution. If so, please don’t attempt it. It’s a waste of your time and money. The truth is that most DIY pest control efforts are unsuccessful in the long run. They ultimately fail for various reasons, and here’s the how and why.

Pest Immunities

Once upon a time, pest control meant taking a trip to the hardware store and selecting the appropriate over-the-counter product on the shelf. If you followed the directions on the box, you could handle it yourself fairly easily. But those days are gone, unfortunately. Some of those products are still there, but their effectiveness is decidedly not. Some have been pulled off the market due to toxicity.

Over the years, pests have developed a strong immunity to many of these frequently-used pesticides. It’s a consequence that happens naturally, and we’ve seen the same thing happen with bacteria and viruses that have become immune to common antibiotics. Life, as they say, finds a way. With familiarity and overuse of the same products, they adapt and pass genetic mutations on to their offspring. As a result, the new generations have become more and more resistant to those pesticides that once worked well, and now the results are marginal.

The Rapid Growth Of Pest Populations

Another factor is the sheer number of pests these days. Their populations are steadily rising to out-of-control numbers and have been for quite a while now. Why? To a certain extent, we can blame Mother Earth for this one, and perhaps even ourselves. Global warming is the culprit. As the planet changes and warms up, it creates an ideal environment for many different pests to thrive. In this new, bug-friendly world, bugs live longer and breed more prolifically than ever. Grasshopper populations turning into devastating swarms around the world are an example.

Scientists are reporting that cockroaches are bigger now than they’ve been since the age of the dinosaurs. Furthermore, some species are getting bigger in body size. The more pests there are, and the bigger they are, the harder it becomes to control them. DIY control is just not up to the task.

The Pest Control Inexperience Of The Homeowner

One of the biggest reasons DIY efforts often fail is due to the inexperience of the homeowner. To effectively eliminate a problem, you must first accurately identify the exact species you are dealing with. For the average person, this is not easy because many species look alike. For most of us, an ant is an ant, or is it a termite? Despite looking similar, the method of control or extermination can be vastly different.

You need to be able to locate all infested areas, including the nests. More often than not, those nests are hidden deep in the structures of your home. Finding and reaching those nests can be impossible without special equipment and knowing where to look. If you can’t wipe out the nests, you are not wiping out the infestation.

You need a plan and products and tools that work. As we explained above, the over-the-counter stuff is just not enough. Professional-grade products and equipment do work and are often only available to licensed professionals.

Lastly, you may be unknowingly guilty of certain habits or behaviors that invite them in and enable them to infest your home. Knowing what to do and not to do is a key factor in understanding what modifications to your home you should make to help keep them out.

DIY Pest Control Can Be Harmful

Pests can be dangerous. You risk getting bitten, stung, or scratched when you interact with them. And along with those painful physical injuries come the many different health problems that can arise. Insects and other animals carry zoonotic diseases, parasites, and bacteria that can make us very sick. You may already be at risk when you have an infestation in your home, but it worsens when attempting to confront those invaders. Animals are at their most aggressive and dangerous when they feel threatened.

Another danger is working with pest control products themselves. Exposing yourself to something designed to kill or trap another living thing is not a good idea. Professionals have special training, protective clothing, respirators, and other equipment at their disposal to minimize their risk. 

Professional Pest Management Is The Answer

If you have a pest problem, the only true answer is to seek the services of a trained professional, and you should do so as soon as you suspect you have an issue. Timing is critically important. Every day you wait is another day of breeding, contamination, and destruction.

In Nashville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas, your top-rated choice is Defender Pest Control. We are experienced professionals in dealing with these problems, and we use the latest products, techniques, science, and technologies to bring you modern-day solutions that work. So, please say no to ineffective DIY methods and choose wisely. Contact us today and let us know how we can help.