We talk about DIY pest control from time to time and while this can be a successful way to control pests, it’s not always the most efficient and environmentally friendly answer to the problem. Doing your own pest control can be quite the investment of time, energy and sometimes even money.

Here are 10 reasons why you should hire a professional pest control company instead of treating the problem yourself.

1. Pest control companies have the knowledge plus years and years of experience in identifying pests.

2. Pest management professionals use pesticides that last at least 60 days as opposed to pesticides purchased in local stores which can have residual effects that may only last 30 minutes.

3. Using a professional company will allow you to get on a maintenance schedule to prevent any reoccurring pest infestations.

4. Many companies are so confident in their work they’ll offer a guarantee for a certain period of time.

5. The pesticides used by professional pest control companies are regulated for consumer protection. Plus, a company will know the  effective amount of pesticide to use.

6. Some companies are licensed to do research with their findings; this research helps to improve pest control treatments.

7. Pest control companies must be licensed. In the state of California, the Structural Pest Control Board is the regulating body.

8. Professionals know the safest way to treat the problem. Bees and wasps can be dangerous if they’re not handled properly.

9. Chances are, an experienced pest control company has seen a similar pest problem and if not, they’ll figure out how to fix it. Professionals have specialized equipment and knowledge, which comes in handy for pests such as termites.

10. It’s not uncommon for pest control companies to offer free quotes and/or home inspections. Take advantage of these and don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

Hiring a pest control company may seem costly but it’s worth the investment. Because of experience and the latest technologies, professionals can safely handle your pest infestation in a timely manner. When you pay a pest control company you’re paying for the pesticides but anyone can spray a baseboard; you’re also paying for knowledge and experience.

Hiring a pest control company may seem costly but it’s worth the investment. Because of experience and the latest technologies, professionals can safely handle your pest infestation in a timely manner.  When you pay a pest control company, you’re paying for the pesticides – yet anyone can spray a baseboard.  You are also paying for knowledge and experience.

If you are a resident of Orange County, California, you can count on a professional Orange County termite and pest control company such as Accurate Termite Control for all of your termite and pest control needs.  Please visit www.accuratetermitecontrol.com for more information.

Many people attempt do-it-yourself pest control before contacting a company. DIY pest control can work if it’s not done recklessly but there are a few things to keep in mind to limit the negative effects on our water, air, ground, etc… when using pesticides.

• Follow the label on the products – I know it’s common sense but the label is there for a reason
• Get rid of unused products properly…check the label for instructions and use a household waste collection center when necessary. Visit Earth911.com to find a HHW center near you. Here’s a list of HHW centers near Irvine, California.
• Do not mix pesticides near a well head and be sure your well isolates surface water sources
• Avoid using pesticides when winds are more than 10 mph
• Do not recycle any containers that have once stored pesticides unless your recycling program accepts those containers

Why is this a problem? Our fresh water comes from two sources: ground water and surface water. Surface water is found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs (fake lakes), etc… On the other hand, ground water is often found in aquifers which are water-bearing layers of earth.

Pesticides can enter our drinking water a number of ways; washing away from rain, seeping through the soil and into an aquifer, being intentionally added by water treatment plants to protect people from bacteria and unfortunately, illegally dumping pesticides down the drain, in creeks, etc…

Note: Drinking water is regularly tested for pesticides, among other things. To find more information about your drinking water, contact your local government.

If there are pesticides or other chemicals in our water then fish are swimming in it and animals (humans too) might be drinking it. All chemicals (pesticides included) are harmful but the effects depend on the type of chemical, the amount of that chemical and the species exposed to the pesticide. For instance, pyrethroids are a class of pesticides considered very toxic to invertebrates but they do not affect humans as much.

So take care when applying your own pesticides and if you can, try an alternative pest control methods first. When in doubt, contact a professional company. A pest control company has countless hours of experience in properly applying pesticides.

Resources

The EPA has an excellent Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pest Safety (pdf) – the guide is thorough and comprehensive

EPA Region 9 (includes California) Water Program

State of California Pesticide Regulations

{photo credit: over_kind_man}

When the temperatures start warming up people start using over the counter pesticides (you can buy them in home stores) for a variety of things including weed control, pest control and even pools. It’s important to use caution when handing these products because they are still chemicals and can be pretty toxic.

Here are some basic tips to keep in mind, yes, they seem like common sense but you would be surprised.

• Select the mildest product that will successfully correct the problem — Do you even need to use a chemical?
• Store pesticides away from kids, pets and even adults (pdf) — dogs and other pets may eat any poison (such as rat poison) if left within their reach
• Do not transfer the pesticides to containers that were once used to store food or may store food again. Keeping the chemicals in the original bottle, container, etc… is probably the best bet since the instructions and cautions are printed on the container
• Mixing bleach with ammonia or other chemicals can cause a toxic gas so avoid mixing anything that could have a chemical reaction
• Open windows, doors, etc… when working with pesticides in the home
• If you start to feel ill, leave the treated area and seek medical attention if necessary

And don’t forget, select a product that treats the problem at hand and don’t forget to follow the instructions, they are there for a reason.

For more information on pesticide regulation, visit the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.