We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed by a pest problem and not knowing what to do. Whether you have ants, roaches, termites or bedbugs, it is important to find an effective solution as soon as possible. One way to try and take care of your targeted pest without spending money on a pest control operator is by using home remedies. However, research has shown that homemade remedies can have undesirable consequences if not handled properly. So, does DIY pest control do more harm than good?
What are home remedies for pest control?
Home remedies involve making a mixture of ingredients available at home to come up with pest-repellant. There are many pest control home remedies that people use. Some of the most common include using vinegar, borax, cayenne pepper and essential oils.
What are the advantages of using home remedies?
Some of the reasons homeowners resort to home remedies for pest control include:
They are cheap
One of the biggest advantages of using home remedies is that they are inexpensive. You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen, so why pay for integrated pest management services when you can grab some cheap supplies and get rid of the pests yourself? It’s important to note that using home remedies doesn’t always work well at resolving your pest issues. It might sound appealing because it’s a cheap option, but it won’t have a lasting effect.
They are safe
When people think of pest control, the first thing that comes to mind is toxic chemicals. However, there are various natural solutions you can employ that have no harmful side effects! Another advantage to using home remedies is that they are usually safe for you, your young children and pets. Home remedies are a safe option, but there are various options provided by your local pest control professional that will be just as safe and will have a more lasting effect.
What are the disadvantages of using home remedies?
Although there may be some benefits to using home remedies for pest control, such as saving money, these do not outweigh all the possible risks. Here is why:
Home remedies can be ineffective
One of the most common problems with using home remedies for pest control is that they do not always work as expected. According to an article from Penn State University, many insects such as roaches and ants have developed a resistance to common household items used in DIY pest control such as boric acid powder and vinegar. This means they are less likely to die when exposed, making the home remedy ineffective in controlling household pests.
Home remedies can be dangerous too
Using household items or ingredients for pest control may also pose a risk of injury if misused. According to Dr. Mike Merchant, a professor of entomology at Texas A&M University, many ingredients such as boric acid and ammonia can be highly hazardous if misused. Boric acid has a high toxicity level to humans and pets, so it must always be handled with caution. Ammonia, on the other hand, is an irritant that causes respiratory problems when inhaled by humans.
Home remedies can be costly at times
While home pest control methods may seem like a cheaper alternative to calling an exterminator, it is important to remember that they are not always free! Some ingredients such as borax or cayenne pepper require you to purchase them in bulk, increasing costs over time. Furthermore, some recipes may require several ingredients, so one must consider the total cost of everything that goes into making it.
Home remedies can be time-consuming
Lastly, DIY pest control methods are often time-consuming and inconvenient! Some home remedies for pests, such as boric acid powder or essential oils, require numerous applications over several days to work effectively. While these methods can help reduce the number of pests in your home, they’re not guaranteed to have a lasting effect. They require constant re-application, so they can be very inconvenient.
So what is a homeowner supposed to do?
While there are some risks associated with using pest control home remedies, these methods also have benefits. According to Dr. Mike Merchant of Texas A&M University, research has shown that common household items such as vinegar and borax can be effective against certain types of pests if appropriately used. This way, they can help ensure that the solution will be effective and safe! However, you should always consult a professional before deciding what home remedy to use for pest control.
Reasons to hire a professional instead of DIY pest control
There are several reasons why you should hire a professional instead of using home remedies for pest control.
-First, pest control professionals have the training and experience necessary to kill pests effectively with minimal risk to your family.
-They are also aware of what ingredients can be harmful if misused, so they will ensure that they are used correctly.
-They have the time to conduct comprehensive pest removal, which might not be the case for you.
-They are insured and licensed to protect you in case anything goes wrong.
-They can help ensure that you are using the most effective pest control solution for your pest problems, which will have a lasting effect.
Are home remedies legal?
It is illegal to use pesticide poisoning for chemicals designated as restricted-use products without the supervision of a certified applicator or permission from the environmental protection agency. As such, homeowners should always seek professional advice before using chemicals as any pest control home remedy!
Affordable Pest Control!
The Killers is a certified pest control Albany OR company that offers effective pest control services that are affordable. We deal with all types of pests invading your property and provide competitive rates. Give us a call whenever you feel your property is under siege by pests, and we’ll offer an immediate and permanent pest management solution.
