Blog Post

Pros and Cons of DIY Pest Control

Nick Siebert • Feb 19, 2024

Should you DIY pest control or call in the pros?

In 2022, it’s estimated that the Global Pest Control Market was worth $22.6B. However, countless individuals still defer to DIY pest control for their homes. While there are certain precautions you can take to reduce the incidence of pests, there are times when you need to call in the pros, especially if an infestation is on the horizon (or already occurred). 


Consider the following: the United States is home to roughly
91,000 species of described insects, and an additional 73,000 “undescribed” species on top of that. Odds are you might need some assistance with ridding your home of several pests, including ants, carpenter bees, spiders, and more. 


Here are the pros and cons of DIY pest control, helping you know when to
contact professional pest removal technicians in Sparta, NJ


Pros of Pest Control DIY


One of the pros of DIY pest control is affordability. For example, you might be able to make a DIY pest control spray from vinegar and water. Since
vinegar is nontoxic to pets and people (unless there is an allergy), you can spray it around windows, hopefully deterring pests — spiders included — from entering your home. If you already have an infestation, however, this won’t work. 


Another pro of DIY pest control is that it can double as landscaping, namely, in the form of mulch. Cedar mulch, to be specific.
Cedar mulch is thought to repel spiders and certain bugs (which are usually spider food, thus attracting more to your yard), which means if you’re already using it to landscape your yard, you won’t have to pay for its potential spider-repellent properties. This mulch won’t completely prevent pests, but its scent works to keep them away. 


With DIY pest control, you can use non-toxic, environmentally safe products. However, other forms of professional pest control don’t include any harsh chemicals. 


Cons of DIY Home Pest Control


When looking into the best DIY pest control for your home, you’ll need to consider the type of pest in your house and whether you have an infestation. One random bug might not mean you have an issue, but numerous pests might signify a possible nest nearby. If this is the case, you should contact a professional pest removal company for fear of multiple bugs lurking in your home. These resistant pests often need the help of a professional pest control technician. 


Additionally, if you decide to use DIY methods for pest control that involve pesticides, there’s the possibility that you’ll use the wrong chemicals, leading to unnecessary pesticide exposure for you, your family, and your pets. These health hazards are why professionals should be the only ones handling pesticides, should your pest infestation require them. 


Certain pest control techniques incorporate an
IPM (Integrated Pest Management) plan. These plans work to reduce the incidence of pests using non-toxic methods. This might be sealing gaps and cracks in and around your home, preventing pests from entering. After non-invasive pest control techniques are exhausted, then chemical pesticides are used — within reason. 


DIY Pest Control: When to Call the Pros


Although DIY pest control has its benefits, there are times when you need to contact professionals. If you have an infestation, especially with a particularly harmful pest, you should call a professional to help with the situation. 


If DIY pest control for the home has proved fruitless, Serene Property Services can help. We’ll work with you to determine the cause of your pest infestation and create a custom plan for removing unwanted insects, wildlife, and more from your home. If you’re in Sussex County, NJ, or Warwick, NY,
call us today for an estimate

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