Nobody likes having critters crawling all over their home. Besides being disgusting, rodents and insects are vectors for diseases and can cause damage to your appliances and house structure by burrowing or nesting in your house. So it’s always best to get rid of them as soon as possible.
But adequately dealing with pests raises several questions. For example, do you handle it yourself, or is it better to call in pest control? And what tips can help you prevent pest infestations in your rental? We’ve got all the answers right here.
Difference between DIY vs. Professional Pest Control
● Expertise Level
Expertise is one of the most apparent differences between a DIY and a professional exterminator. Internet hacks can be great, but they’re no substitute for someone who exterminates pests for a living.
Call the experts if you’re having trouble with a recurrent or widespread infestation. These professionals are familiar with industry techniques for getting rid of and ensuring that vermin stay gone.
● Price
Most tenants tend to shy away from calling in the pros because trying and exterminating pests on their own is cheaper. Many DIYs use easily accessible household products, which you can buy at any store and get to work.
However, some infestations require higher-grade commercial products, which pest control companies use regularly. Thus, DIYs cost you more if the technique doesn’t work or has a long-lasting effect.
● Ease
Solving a pest problem with a DIY requires time on the tenant’s part. You must look for relevant videos or articles with the right solution, purchase the products, and set your trap. While these methods are often relatively straightforward, they can quickly take a chunk of time from a routine. Not to mention the manual work of getting on your knees, standing on a ladder, or worming through crawl spaces.
Hiring a professional saves you from that stress and allows you to go about your day more easily.
● Safety
Another difference between DIYs and professional pest control is the level of safety.
Pest control products often use harsh chemicals, which can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with how to use them. Also, if you have children or pets in the house, they could unknowingly tamper with these products. Experts are more conscious of these dangers and can help you avoid mishaps. Bay Property Management Group knows how to protect your rental investment from pest infestations and ensure your family’s safety.
7 Tips to Prevent Pest Infestation in a Rental
1. Block All Entry Points
Do a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of your house. Mice, raccoons, and other rodents can squeeze through tiny holes in your walls, floors, and ceilings to access your home. Track marks and droppings are often a giveaway and can lead you to these entry points. Cover up any holes with caulk, wire wool, or a metal board to prevent these animals from entering your house.
2. Beware of Damp Areas
Another popular entry point for insects and rodents is around sinks. Damp areas provide water and a suitable place for pests to hibernate in your home.
Ensure your bathroom and kitchen cupboards are well-ventilated to avoid a damp habitat where roaches can thrive.
3. Clean up Regularly
If you’re wondering how to deal with a pest infestation, you probably need to level up your cleaning game. Skirting boards, heavy furniture, and kitchen appliances are areas we often need to remember to clean under or behind. Unfortunately, these spaces can accumulate dirt and grime, which appeals to rodents and attracts them to your home.
Make it a point to clean up these areas regularly and ensure they’re always tidy.
4. Perform Regular Inspections
You can do an inspection before rats and roaches move in with you. Look around your house and crawl spaces for possible entry points or damp areas that might attract these rodents.
Remember to inspect places you use sparingly, like the attic and basement. These areas can house pests for years without you knowing. Regular inspections ensure nothing gets past you and your home remains safe.
