Pest infestations can be a severe headache for homeowners. They can cause damage to furniture, clothing, and even the structure of your home. Pests such as cockroaches, rodents, or bed bugs can pose a health risk to your family.
That’s why pest control and extermination services exist. However, there is often some confusion among homeowners when it comes to choosing between these two options.
In this guide, we will compare the differences between pest control vs exterminator and help you decide which option is best for your home.
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Understanding the Difference Between Pest Control vs Exterminator
Pest control and extermination are often used to remove unwanted pests from a home or business. While both aim to cut pests, the two methods have some key differences.
Filtration
Pest control focuses more on preventing pest infestations from occurring in the first place. It involves keeping the pests away from your home by sealing cracks, removing food sources, and other preventative measures.
On the other hand, exterminators use pesticides or other chemicals to end an existing pest infestation. Sometimes, exterminators may offer preventative measures as well.
Costs
Pest control tends to be less expensive than extermination. This is because it’s a preventative measure and requires less complex techniques.
Exterminators must use more advanced equipment and techniques, including fumigation, to eradicate pests. Therefore, extermination services cost more.
Timeframe
Another difference between pest control and extermination is the timeframe. Pest control can take several weeks or months to be effective.
Extermination services usually have faster results. That’s because pesticides or other chemicals used by exterminators take immediate action, while pest control methods take more time to implement and show results.
Eco-Friendliness
The chemicals used in extermination can be harmful to the environment. This is why many pest control companies are starting to use eco-friendly methods. Pest control methods include traps, baits, and other natural ways to keep pests out of your home.
You can ask your pest control company if they offer green solutions and make an informed decision that’s best for your home and the environment.
Long-Term Solutions
Pest control is a long-term solution to pest problems. It’s a proactive approach to prevent pest infestations from occurring or recurring.
On the other hand, extermination services provide a short-term, reactive approach to pest control. Extermination usually eliminates the pests immediately, but it doesn’t guarantee that pests won’t return.
When to DIY and When to Hire a Professional Exterminator
It is tempting to attempt to handle the problem yourself, but sometimes, that is not the best action plan. There are situations in which you should hire a professional exterminator. Let’s discuss when to DIY and when to hire a professional exterminator.
Assess the Situation
You need to determine how severe the infestation is and if it’s something that you can manage yourself or if you need professional help. If you notice just a few ants on the floor, then you might not need professional help.
However, if there are a lot of ants on your floor or in your cupboards, you should seek the help of the best pest control service. Don’t put your health at risk by attempting to handle a severe pest infestation all by yourself.
Level of Expertise
The second thing you need to consider is your level of expertise. Do you have experience handling pests? Do you know the right techniques and products to use?
If you are not confident with your knowledge and skills, calling a professional to do the job is better. Pesticides can be dangerous, so you must know what you do when handling them.
Risk
If the pests in your home are low risk, then you can attempt to handle them yourself. However, some pests can pose significant risks to your health and need professional help.
For instance, bedbugs need specialized equipment and techniques to end them, and trying to handle them yourself might worsen the problem. It’s essential to understand the level of risk in handling particular pests before you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional exterminator.
Exploring Environmentally Safe Pest Control Methods and Exterminators
While pest control is necessary, we must also do it in environmentally safe ways. Thankfully, many pest control methods and exterminators use safe and eco-friendly pest control methods.
Here are some of the most effective and eco-friendly pest control methods to keep our homes and gardens pest-free.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM is a combination of preventative measures and pest control techniques that work together to control pests. IPM uses a variety of strategies, including cultural, physical, and biological controls that are environmentally safe and effective.
Cultural controls include simple actions such as sealing cracks and crevices, removing pest habitats, and proper storage of food. Physical controls use mechanical methods such as traps and barriers, while biological control involves using living organisms such as nematodes, bacteria, and fungi to control pests.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. This powder is sharp and abrasive, and when pests come into contact with it, it pierces their exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and eventually die. Diatomaceous Earth is non-toxic and safe for humans and pets, making it an environmentally friendly pest control method.
Essential Oils
Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil can be used to deter pests. Dilute a few drops of essential oil in water and spray it in areas where pests are likely to hide. Essential oils have a strong scent that pests dislike, making them an effective pest control solution that is safe for humans and pets.
Exclusion
Exclusion involves blocking pests’ entry points to gain access to your home. This consists of sealing cracks and crevices, installing door sweeps and weather stripping, and repairing holes in walls and screens. When done properly, Exclusion methods can prevent pests from entering your home and garden, reducing the need for pesticide use.
Explore Effective Strategies in Pest Control vs Exterminator Services
When dealing with pests, it is essential to understand the differences between pest control vs exterminator and choose the best option for your specific situation. Make an informed decision and take the necessary steps to protect your home from unwanted pests. Take action now and say goodbye to pesky pests once and for all!
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