Wander through a hardware store or scroll through Amazon, and you’ll find a plethora of do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control solutions. From sprays and poison baits to traps and essential oils, these products can help eliminate rats, spiders, and other pests. With so many accessible solutions, it’s easy to wonder if hiring a professional pest control service is worth the cost.
DIY pest control might help handle minor infestations, but a full-blown invasion often requires expert intervention. In this guide, we’ll compare DIY and professional pest control methods and provide tips on finding the right professional treatment for your home.
Benefits of a Professional Pest Control Service
In general, professional pest management services cost more than doing it yourself—at least in the short term. However, it can become a full-blown infestation if you don’t take care of your pest problem quickly. If this happens, you may spend more on DIY solutions than you would if you’d hired someone at the first signs of an infestation. Here are other professional pest control benefits.
Professionals Have the Proper Equipment and Training
To eliminate an infestation, you may need specialty equipment and knowledge about the pest you’re dealing with—things that most homeowners don’t have. Additionally, some pesticides may not be available to the general public, as they may require training and experience to use correctly. For example, professionals will know how to deploy insecticides and rodenticides without endangering you, your family, or your pets.
Some pests, such as mosquitoes and ticks, can carry infectious diseases, and technicians will have the know-how and proper safety equipment to deal with them.
Professionals Can Provide Proactive Pest Control Services
You may not consider how to prevent future infestations if you don’t have active pest problems. However, no home is immune to pest problems forever, and seemingly unrelated home issues like a damp basement or leaky windows can lure pests. A professional pest control company will know how to treat your current problem and can help you prevent potential pest issues in the future. For example, a professional can identify entry points around your home during an inspection and provide tips on sealing these areas.
Professionals Can Provide Peace of Mind
Simply put, if you hire a professional, you don’t have to worry about getting rid of pests yourself. You won’t have to apply and reapply pesticides, check and empty traps, or remove nests, saving you time and energy. Additionally, a professional who can take care of the problem quickly will greatly reduce the likelihood of your home or belongings sustaining any damage from pests.
DIY Pest Control vs. Professional Pest Control
Here’s how professional and DIY pest control compare on several factors.
| Factor | Professional | DIY |
|---|---|---|
|
Cost |
Services are more expensive in the short term |
Solutions are more affordable in the short term |
|
Severity of infestation |
Can treat all levels of severity |
Best for small infestations |
|
Time |
Quicker and more efficient |
May take longer to get rid of pests |
|
Health and safety |
A professional pest control service should have the proper training and liability insurance to protect you and your home |
You’re responsible for the chemicals you use and any potential damage to your belongings or home’s structure |
|
Preventative measures |
Included in services |
Optional |
How Much Do Pest Control Services Cost?
Pest control pricing varies based on the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, and the size of your home or yard. A one-time visit may cost between $100 and $260, while ongoing treatment plans for chronic issues usually cost more. More severe problems, such as termite infestations or bed bug outbreaks, often require more extensive—and expensive—treatments. Keep in mind that emergency visits and specialized treatments may also add to your total cost.
When you compare pest control providers, ask for a detailed quote that outlines all services included. Look for packages that combine inspections, preventative treatments, and follow-up visits, which can help you manage long-term pest problems more affordably. Some companies also offer guarantees or free re-treatments if the pests return, which can add value and peace of mind.
How To Avoid Pest Control Scams
Before hiring a professional pest control company, consider these tips to help you weed out potential scam pest control services:
- Check the provider’s professional license and liability insurance. Make sure the technician who applies the treatment has an up-to-date certification.
- If something seems fishy, get a second opinion. Most trustworthy companies, such as Terminix and Orkin, will offer free inspections and quotes for pest control services.
- If you sign up for seasonal services, read your contract carefully and ensure you understand what’s covered.
- Read third-party customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and Trustpilot. Most reputable companies will have an active online and social media presence and respond to complaints about their services.
Preventative Measures To Minimize Pest Infestations
While professional pest control can handle existing infestations, simple precautions can keep unwanted pests at bay. These strategies can help you reduce the chance of pests entering your home while also limiting the damage and costs they may cause.
- Eliminate moisture buildup: Fix any leaky faucets and clean your gutters frequently to avoid standing water, which can attract mosquitoes and other pests. You can also buy a dehumidifier to make your environment less friendly to bugs and other critters.
- Seal openings and entry points: If you can see daylight under your doorframe, install weatherstripping to fill small openings. A new door sweep or a quarterly check of your caulked window frames and siding seams can stop pests from entering your home.
- Store food carefully: Keep food in air-tight containers so ants and cockroaches can’t get to it. After cleaning up after meals, make sure to wipe down your countertop, too.
- Trim your landscaping: Keep shrubs and plants at least a few feet from your home’s foundation. Although they can add curb appeal, trees, bushes, and flowers can give squirrels and other pests room to play and find ways into your home.
Our Conclusion
We believe pest control is worth it for homeowners with infestation issues. Untreated infestations can be costly and difficult to remove. You can opt for DIY pest control or hire a professional service. Doing the job yourself is more affordable and best for small infestations, but it may take longer to rid your home of pests. A professional pest control service is more expensive but more efficient and effective. It includes preventative measures and can treat all infestation levels.
FAQs About Pest Control
How much does pest control cost?
The cost of pest control will vary based on your location, the pest in question, and the severity of the infestation. For example, a severe bed bug infestation in Manhattan will like cost more to remove than a few spiders in a home in Iowa. Here are some average costs for pest control:
- The average cost of a one-time pest control service is between $300–$550.
- If multiple visits are required, the initial assessment usually costs between $150–$300. Subsequent visits will cost less.
- For year-round pest control, the price will depend on the frequency of the visits. Monthly appointments usually run between $40–$70, while quarterly pest control services cost between $100–$300 per treatment.
- Ants, cockroaches, and spiders are some of the easiest pests to remove, while termites and bed bugs are often the most expensive and difficult to eliminate.
What does a pest control service do?
Professional pest control technicians do more than spray for bugs. They identify the specific type of pest you’re dealing with, locate the source of the infestation, and eliminate the pests. After this, they’ll work with you to prevent future infestations by providing home maintenance tips.
How can I prevent a pest infestation?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you follow these tips to make your home less appealing to pests:
- Store food and beverages, including pet food, in sealed containers.
- Use trash cans with lids and take out the trash regularly.
- Stagnant water draws pests, so fix leaks and remove any standing water immediately.
- Patch holes in window screens and use caulk to seal cracks in your home’s structure.
- Fill large holes in drywall or around pipes with steel wool.
- Get rid of clutter in your yard, including leaf piles, toys, and yard debris. If you must have a woodpile, keep it away from the sides of your home.
- Keep your lawn and plants trimmed and well-maintained.
