Avoid DIY Pest Control for These Three Types of Infestations

These days, most of us are looking for any opportunity to save money wherever we can, and that means taking on household projects ourselves.  Some things, like painting or replacing a leaky faucet, we might feel comfortable doing. Other projects we know are well beyond our skill level, like installing a new air conditioning unit or electrical rewiring. But when it comes to pest control, do you have a good idea of what you can handle on your own and what will require professional intervention?

The factors that can help you decide will generally come down to a few things:

• what type of pests you've got
• the size and scope of the infestation
• impact to the health of your family
• potential for damage to your home and property

Let's take a closer look at the first bullet point - the type of pest problem you're facing. It's a good idea to try not to tackle the following scenarios without a trained pest control professional.

Termites

These destructive and ravenous pests manage to cause an estimated five billion (that's billion with a "B"!) dollars in property damage each and every year.  Termites are on call 24/7, literally eating you out of house and home. It doesn't take long for an infestation to cause serious structural damage to your property. If you still think it might be worth a shot to try to get rid of them on your own, take a look at your homeowners ' insurance policy first. You'll likely find that you're not covered for termite damage. A professional has the knowledge, experience and equipment to deal with an infestation. The longer you delay calling one, the more expensive and dangerous your problem will become. The meter's running!

Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs is most assuredly not a good do-it-yourself project. They are very prolific and can be difficult to detect, hiding in hard-to-reach, hard-to-see areas like behind switchplates, deep in upholstery and even underneath wallpaper. Trying to control an infestation with DIY methods may only make matters worse, allowing their territory in your home to expand.  Improper use of chemicals can risk the health of your family members and pets, any may damage your home or furniture. You might also find what many others in this situation have already discovered: the amount of money and time spent on ineffective treatments exceeds what you'd spend to have it handled correctly the first time. A certified pest control expert knows their favorite hiding places and create an effective treatment plan.

Stinging Insect Nests

If you have an infestation of these pests, like yellow jackets, wasps, hornets or fire ants, don't even think about dealing with it on your own! A colony of these can have anywhere from several hundred up to tens of thousands of members, and if they feel you're a threat to the nest, they won't hesitate to attack. An estimated 500,000 people end up in an emergency room every year due to stinging insects. You needn't be allergic to be life threatening. If a swarm attacks, anyone is at risk!

Homeowners can find plenty of money-saving home treatments for common, benign pest problems around the home. The key is knowing when your best course of action is to call in the professionals. Ambassador Pest Management in West Palm Beach, Stuart and Jupiter, Florida has been fighting the good fight for home and business owners for over 25 years. If you've got a situation that requires professional help, call us today at 866-632-0800. Our trained and certified technicians will provide you with a free, no-obligation inspection. Your satisfaction is always 100% guaranteed!