Aug 12, 2022, 12:21 PM by Fred Speer

The temptation is always there for you to say, “I can take care of that. I don’t need to call anyone.” From repairing a kitchen faucet to getting rid of pests that find their way inside a home, many homeowners prefer to do it themselves.

Research from the National Pest Management Association revealed that consumers are more or less likely to call a pest control professional immediately, depending on the type of pest and how many they have seen.

Here’s the breakdown of consumer thinking on when they are likely to call in the pros to handle a pest issue. Would you react the same way?

Will try a DIY solution before calling a professional:

• Flies
• Mosquitoes
• Ants
• Gnats

Will call a professional if several of this type of pests are found:

• Beetles
• Ticks
• Carpenter ants

Will call a professional if one of these pests is found:

• Bed bugs
• Termites
• Cockroaches
• Mice or rats

Why a pest professional is better

When attempting to treat a pest problem on their own, many people often treat only the tip of the iceberg rather than the root cause of the problem. The pests might be eliminated, but in most cases, a larger infestation will continue to grow out of sight in a wall void, attic, or in the soil around their homes.

To help you better understand the value of working with a pest management professional, here are four important areas to consider:

Cost: Yes, it may be more convenient, and less expensive, to run to the local home improvement or hardware store and purchase pest control products than it is to hire a pest management professional. That initial investment in a professional may be more expensive, but in the long run it can turn out to be less expensive, and can alleviate headaches overall. Buying the wrong product and making an incorrect application of that product will not only fail to eliminate the pests, but it could cause damage to your home.

Knowledge: You get what you pay for. An experienced and knowledgeable pest management professional will be able to quickly identify and recommend treatment options. They will also be able to answer your pest-related questions and share tips on how to prevent further issues. Their experience and expertise will help protect your home and family from potentially harmful pests.

Risk: Applying any over-the-counter product carries risk. If you have little or no experience there, you potentially might cause harm to humans, pets, plants, or yourself. Hiring a licensed pest management professional greatly reduces risk, because they are trained in where and how to properly apply products that control only the pests targeted to be eliminated.

Effectiveness: For minor pest problems, over-the-counter products can yield a short-term positive result, but likely will not get to the root cause of the pest problem. Eliminating larger, more invasive pest infestations requires a much deeper pest management toolbox, one that only a licensed and highly trained professional can supply.

Got questions about pests? Call Clark

Call or text Clark at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com if you need help preventing or eliminating pests in and around your home.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.