The last thing any Maryland homeowner wants to discover is a pest infestation.
While pest control is one of those grudge purchases no one hopes to make, ignoring the problem or DIYing it could end up costing you hundreds of dollars more to solve an infestation. This is not to mention all of the diseases and structural damage that pests like termites, rodents, and cockroaches can cause.
Being a temperate climate that enjoys four seasons, pests in Maryland come in many shapes and sizes and can strike at any time during the year.
If you have recently discovered a pest infestation in your home, you may be wondering what your next move should be. Hiring a pest control company is always a wise decision for many different reasons, but, most importantly, it can give you peace of mind. Here is everything you need to know about hiring a professional exterminator to deal with the pests in your home.
1. Eliminate Pest Infestations Quickly
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a pest control company is that a professional exterminator will be able to get rid of an infestation quickly and effectively.
While tackling a pest infestation of any kind yourself can take a long time and often isn’t effective enough to completely resolve the issue, a professional exterminator will have the knowledge and resources to take care of any pest infestation in a shorter amount of time. Furthermore, a pest control professional can apply barrier sprays and prevention measures that make sure that any pests in your home don’t return.
2. Provide Prevention Programs for Year-Round Relief
Once your exterminator kills all of the pests in your home, they may recommend a prevention plan to protect your home from future infestations. These pest prevention plans can vary in how often you’ll need treatment, with some requiring monthly visits and others needing quarterly treatment.
Regardless of their frequency, these plans are designed to thwart common pests in Maryland at any point of the year, including early spring and summer when pest activity peaks.
3. Use Less Pesticides
One misconception about pest control is that professionals only use pesticides. However, most professional pest control companies actually use fewer pesticides than DIY methods.
Many of the store-bought pest control products contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous and even fatal to humans and pets if accidentally ingested. A professional exterminator has other methods of handling a pest problem, including organic methods, that don’t compromise the health and safety of the people and pets living in your home.
4. Identify Attractants that Can Draw Pests Into Your Home
Certain attractants typically draw pests into your home that you might not be aware of. A pest control professional will be able to help you identify common attractants, including standing water that attracts mosquitoes, excess clutter that attracts rodents, and overgrown grass that attracts cockroaches, which can be remedied to prevent future pests. They can also recommend areas where treatments and over-the-counter products can be applied for maximum effectiveness.
5. Save Money in the Long Run
Hiring a professional exterminator at the first sign of an infestation can also be good for your wallet. Many homeowners make the mistake of trying to deal with the problem themselves by purchasing store-bought pesticides.
However, these products are rarely strong enough to completely eliminate all of the pests in a home and may end up costing you wasted money that could have been put toward an exterminator in the first place.
Furthermore, the longer you let a pest control problem go, the more expensive it will be to repair.
How Much Is Professional Pest Control?
The cost of professional pest control will vary depending on the company you hire and the severity of the infestation. However, most homeowners can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the initial visit, with follow-up visits costing anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars. Talk to your exterminator about your unique situation for a more accurate idea of how much you should expect to pay.
Keep in mind that the sooner you contact a pest control professional, the more you will save in treatment. Furthermore, you can shop among different providers to find the best quote for your budget.
Why Choose Professional Service Over DIY
When it comes to dealing with a pest infestation, it is always smarter to hire a professional rather than attempt it yourself. Most household pests can be difficult to get rid of, and you run the risk of making the infestation worse by trying to handle it yourself. You also run the risk of wasting a lot of money by trying store-bought treatments, which are generally less effective than professional services.
If you need professional pest control services in Maryland and want peace of mind, contact the experts at Pest Czar for a free quote. We are QualityPro and GreenPro-certified, providing you with the best value for your money.
FAQs
How do pest control companies determine the best treatment for my home?
A professional exterminator will come to your home to perform a thorough inspection. Once they determine the type of pest you’re dealing with and the severity of the infestation, they will be able to recommend the treatment they think will be the most effective at getting rid of the pests.
Is professional pest control safe for my pets and children?
When done by a professional, pest control is generally safe for pets and children. Your exterminator will be able to let you know how long you should keep your pets and children away from the areas of the home that are being treated for pests.
How often should I schedule pest control services for my home?
Your exterminator will tell you how often they suggest you have follow-up pest control treatments performed in your home. The frequency will vary depending on the type of pest and the severity of the infestation. Typically, follow-up pest control is performed quarterly.
What types of pests can a pest control company treat?
A pest control company can treat virtually any kind of infestation, including common pests such as cockroaches, rodents, termites, ants, and spiders. If your exterminator isn’t experienced in treating a specific kind of pest infestation, they should be able to point you in the direction of a company that is.
Will pest control services work if I have a recurring pest problem?
Yes, most pest control services should work even if you’re dealing with a recurring pest problem. Your exterminator will likely recommend a regular pest control treatment plan, where your home will be treated for pests on a routine schedule.
Are eco-friendly pest control treatments as effective as traditional methods?
Certain eco-friendly approaches to pest control, such as integrated pest management (IPM), can be as effective as traditional methods. However, these methods should always be performed by a professional exterminator to ensure their safety and effectiveness.