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Is Pest Control Worth It?
Call in the pros to prevent pesky pests from returning
Photo: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS / Adobe Stock
Photo: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Pest control effectively eliminates and prevents infestations with professional-grade equipment and pesticides.
Treatments involving pesticides and chemicals can pose health risks to inexperienced homeowners, but pros are trained to mitigate these risks.
Contact an exterminator if DIY methods are ineffective or if the infestation is severe.
On average, the cost of pest control ranges from $50 to $500, depending on severity, type of pest, and treatment method.
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A pest problem is more than a nuisance; it’s hazardous to your house and health. But is pest control worth it? While there are ways to ward off the occasional uninvited critters and bugs that try to move into your home, you should consider hiring a pest control company for quarterly treatments if it is a recurring issue.
Before you begin the ongoing battle of dealing with pests yourself, learn how pest control works, if it’s worth the cost, and the benefits of hiring a pro.
Benefits of Pest Control Services
If you aren't quite convinced if pest control is worth it, check out these benefits of hiring a local pest exterminator.
Identifying and Eliminating Pests
Professionals have the training and experience to hone in on your pest problem. Most pest control companies can eliminate all sorts of different types of pests, from rodents to spiders and grass bugs. If it makes you say "nope," these pros know how to deal with it.
Access to the Most Effective Chemicals and Pesticides
Different types of baits and chemicals work for different types of pests—and you won't be able to find many of these treatments on your next department store run. The pesticides that consumers have access to often aren't as powerful as professional-grade. Pest control pros also have the expertise to know where and when to apply them for the best results.
Preventing Future Infestations
If you eliminate the pests but don't find the source attracting them to your home, more infestations are likely. A local pest control technician can determine the cause of your problem, find the specific source, and eliminate it to prevent future infestations. Plus, they can provide advice on preventing future unwanted visitors based on your property and environmental factors.
How Does Pest Control Work?
There are two options for pest control services: One-time treatments for an active infestation and ongoing service plans to help prevent pests from returning. The first option is reserved for immediate pest removal needs, such as hiring an exterminator to remove bed bugs from your home. Service plans are helpful for maintaining a pest-free home after an infestation and preventing a future one from occurring. For example, if you recently had a severe roach infestation, you may want to consider opting for a monthly treatment plan and then switching to a quarterly service.
You should discuss which plan is best with your pest control technician so they can customize the service based on your needs. They have expert knowledge of the most effective methods and treatments to rid pests effectively.
Cost of Pest Control Treatments
The cost of pest control treatments vary by the type of pest, size of the infestation, type of treatment, and the infestation location. The average price is $170, but typically range from $50 to $500. Here are the cost ranges for common pest control treatments:
Bed bug treatment: $1,000–$4,000
Ant extermination cost: $80–$500
Termite treatment cost: $240–$1,000
Flea extermination cost: $100–$400
Wasp removal cost: $300–$700
Cockroach removal cost: $100–$600
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
While there are various DIY methods for eradicating household pests, you should hire a professional pest control company near you for persistent pests. For instance, roaches reproduce rapidly, and your home can get infested quickly. So, if the DIY methods aren't cutting it, then you need a pro to eradicate them from your home and prevent future infestations.
Plus, most DIY pest control sprays are toxic to humans and animals, so they can be extremely hazardous to use around children and pets. Professional exterminators are highly experienced in safely administering treatments with minimal risk to the people and animals in your household.
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