DIY vs. Professional Rodent Control: What Works Best?

DIY pest control is typically a homeowner’s first response because it’s cheap and available. Snap traps, glue boards, bait stations and electronic repellents are available and can be utilized without a professional. For small or early infestations, these DIYs can be effective if used along with proper prevention techniques, including sealing entry points and maintaining a clean house.

DIY options, however, are quite limited. Properly placed and managed they need monitoring and safe handling, particularly if poisons are employed. All too often homeowners underestimate the size of an infestation and the fact that rodents will continue to multiply in the face of such attacks. This is where a pest control company come into play – professionals who know what they’re doing; they have the tools, tricks and methods to get the job done right. They can also reveal hidden nesting sites, use more lethal rodenticides without risk of secondary poisoning, and offer ongoing prevention solutions.

When it comes to choosing between do it yourself or professional rodent control, it’s a decision based on how big the problem is. Small, isolated infestations may be addressable with store-bought remedies, but persistent or large-scale problems are probably best left to the professionals. The best practice, in most cases, is a combination—do DIY stuff to maintain order, but have professionals in for occasional inspections and treatments.