After a long, hot summer, you may be asking yourself, “Should I have my house sprayed for bugs?” After all, these unwelcome house guests can trigger asthma and allergies, spread bacteria and carry disease. And, of course, they’re just plain gross!
So, is hiring a professional pest control company worth the cost? There are two distinct sides in this debate, so you’ll want a thorough understanding of both the pros and the cons before picking up the phone.
Should I Have my House Sprayed for Bugs: Pros
Quality pest control companies are a dime a dozen for good reason. Many homeowners across the nation trust these professionals to protect their largest investment from creepy crawlers.
Here are just a few of the pros cited by homeowners who choose to have their homes sprayed for bugs:
Pest Elimination
Of course, one of the biggest benefits of hiring a pest control company is that they tend to work. They often have access to some of the most effective pesticides on the market and may even have a result guarantee policy to back up their work.
Pest Identification
It’s hard to properly treat a pest problem without first accurately identifying the pest itself. After all, the protocol for managing termites is entirely different than the protocol for managing ants. Pest control professionals have years of experience, not to mention extensive resources, to accurately diagnose your pest problem.
Flexibility
In the same vein, these companies are often nimble, with the ability to address rodents, spiders, or any other type of problematic pests.
Locating the Source
Most pest control professionals have specialized equipment and processes to find the source of an infestation. This might include analyzing your home for potential problem areas, like a dirty garage floor or standing water, and helping you address them.
Prevention
The current infestation is only half the problem. The potential for future issues is the other. These experts can help address future problems before they even arise.
Damage Mitigation
These small creatures can cause some seriously big problems. Pest-related damage can be inconvenient, costly and even potentially heartbreaking.
Protecting Your Health
Pests aren’t just off-putting; they can be downright dangerous. A commercial elimination can help ensure your family stays safe.
Should I Have my House Sprayed for Bugs: Cons
Of course, not everyone is entirely on board with professional pest control. In recent years, there has been an uptick in the number of homeowners who prefer not to use commercial extermination companies.
Some of the most common concerns include:
Safety
Like any chemical agents, some pest control products are completely safe, and are even registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Others, however, can be harmful to humans as well as pests. If you’re concerned about safety, the pest control company of your choice should have information and resources detailing the products they use, their efficacy, and, most importantly, their safety.
Ethics
Some homeowners have issue with traditional pest control methods because they can be viewed as inhumane. If you’re concerned about pain or discomfort to the animals or insects, you can always speak with your pest control company about less intensive options.
Cost
Unfortunately, pest control is not affordable for everyone. The job is time-consuming, labor intensive and, as it includes chemicals, potentially dangerous. Larger infestations will often cost more than significantly smaller ones, and prices will vary depending on your location, but don’t expect to get a steal on this service. If savings are important to you, however, you can always shop around and compare quotes or tackle pest control on your own (there’s no shortage of online instructional videos to help you along).
Resistance
There is also a possibility that the pests develop a resistance to the chemicals used in the extermination process. You can mitigate this factor by asking your pest control professional how intensive the necessary treatment might be, gauging how many sessions will be necessary and whether they have any experience with developed resistance.
Inconvenience
While the pest control company is completing the job, you and your family may not have access to the property. You’ll likely need to find somewhere else to stay for hours or even days, depending on the scope of the work.
Single Sighting Vs. Infestation
One creepy crawly doesn’t necessarily warrant a call to the exterminator. As mentioned, pest control can be expensive and inconvenient. That’s why you’ll probably only need professional help in cases of true infestation.
Alternatives to Traditional Pesticides
If you’re hesitant to hire a professional pest control company, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have no agency alternative. Many homeowners have turned to less intensive or DIY approaches to keep their properties pest-free.
Some of the most popular options include:
Bio pesticides
Bio pesticides are derived from naturally occurring materials, like plants, animals and bacteria. They tend to be safer and more eco-friendly than traditional pesticides, as they break down very quickly, which is better for the environment. They can also often be used in smaller quantities.
Minimum-Risk Pesticides
Minimum-risk pesticides are pest-control chemicals that pose a lesser threat to people and the environment. These pesticides must meet certain criteria laid out by the EPA, including listing all products on the label and excluding any false or misleading statements.
Organic Pesticides
Just as the name implies, organic pesticides are pest-control chemicals made up of organic ingredients. These pesticides are still designed to eliminate pests but do so through extremely high concentrations of natural compounds.
Pesticide-Free Traps
If you’d like to avoid pesticides entirely, you may be able to try trapping and either disposing of or releasing the pests. There are countless models on the market, from the typical mouse trap to catch-and-release options.
Other Natural Options
Some homeowners prefer to at least start with nontoxic pest deterrents, most of which you may already have on hand. Popular measures include citrus juice or vinegar in a spray bottle, sprinkled borax or even a basil plant to deter unwanted houseguests.
If you’re interested in pest control but have some concerns, you can always choose to DIY a pest control solution or request that the company of your choice use one of these alternatives.
Just remember that safety is relative, and even what seems to be the safest option is still designed to exterminate.
Pest Control: Is it Worth It?
The answer to this question will depend on your needs, preferences and personal opinion. Professional pest control companies are an effective way to keep your home and family safely pest-free. They’re certainly not for everyone, though. If you have a pest problem but are on the fence when it comes to traditional pesticides, you can always forgo treatment or investigate alternative options.
Published on October 3, 2022
