Can You DIY Pest Control for Your Apartment?

By: ROS Team

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The adjoining walls and shared utilities in apartments create an environment conducive to pest infestation.

When there’s a shortage of food resources in one flat, cockroaches, bed bugs, and other pests can quickly move to other units. The landlord typically takes care of pest control for the common areas. However, it’s up to you to maintain the private areas.

Two options exist when unwanted pests ravage your apartment: hire a professional pest control service or do it yourself (DIY). Suppose you don’t have the budget. You might prefer to experiment with various DIY pest control solutions.

Although inexpensive, DIY pest control isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to address pest issues. Before choosing this option, understand how DIY pest control works, as well as its advantages and limitations.

Understanding the Methods Involved in DIY Pest Control

Many resort to DIY pest control because it’s convenient and cost-effective. However, pest control isn’t an easy job without professional assistance. So before heading to your local home goods store, learn how DIY pest control works and the methods involved.

The idea is to use the available resources, knowledge, and tools to address the infestation. It usually involves recognizing pest problems, researching solutions, and applying over-the-counter remedies. In general, DIY solutions for pest control fall into the following two categories:

Natural Pest Control Remedies

Instead of applying harsh chemicals, natural pest control remedies use everyday household products to manage pest problems.

They typically contain natural ingredients that are safe to use around people and animals. These remedies help you control pests while minimizing the impact on the environment:

  • Using essential oil sprays as a natural pest-repellent
  • Placing basil leaves, garlic, onions, and orange peels at entry points
  • Applying boric acid or Diatomaceous earth where pests are present
  • Washing the area of ant trails with white vinegar
  • Removing standing water in and around your home

 

Chemical Based Pest Control Solutions

Purchasing a chemical-based pest control product is another DIY solution you can try. Numerous pest repellents exist for commercial use, including aerosol spray, gel, or fogger. These chemical-based products can effectively control heavy infestations of insects like roaches, ants, and ticks.

Interestingly, many poisons used in pest control come in gel or pellets. These chemical poisons are meant to be eaten by the pest. They carry the remaining substances to the nest, reducing the source of their population.

Possible Advantages of DIY Solutions for Pest Control

You can readily control your pest with the proper methods and products. Many choose to handle pest control themselves for various reasons. If you’re unsure whether it’s an appropriate choice, consider the range of benefits it can offer.

Lower the Overall Cost of Pest Control

You don’t have to pay professional service fees when you do pest control on your own. This can help you lower the overall cost of pest control. Likewise, since many pest control products are affordable, you can manage the problem according to your budget with DIY solutions.

Offer Control Over Your Pest Problems

DIY methods offer control over how you resolve your pest problems. Instead of depending on an appointment and taking time off work, you can schedule treatments at your convenience. Additionally, you can choose the products you prefer and where to apply them safely.

Allow you to Take Immediate Action

Since you don’t have to wait for a professional appointment, DIY pest control lets you immediately tackle pests as soon as you detect them. This prompt action can help prevent the pests from spreading to other nearby areas and cause more problems.

Potential Risks of DIY Solutions for Pest Control

Controlling pest problems without professional help can cause more harm than benefit, especially if done incorrectly.

When trying this option, relying on how-to articles and DIY videos is typical. Although some resources are helpful, only some offer accurate and safe pesticide instructions. This can lead to additional damage and increased expenses.

Despite the appealing benefits of DIY pest control, it’s prudent to understand its potential risks before jumping in.

Focus Only on Surface Level Control

DIY remedies are only as effective as temporary solutions. They only eradicate visible signs of infestation, not the underlying cause. As a result, pests can remain hidden and require additional treatments. It’s worth noting that DIY treatments often lose their effectiveness within a few weeks.

Result in Higher Long Term Costs

Controlling pest problems without professional help may offer initial cost savings. However, the expenses of DIY pest control can accumulate over time. Since the solution isn’t enough to prevent infestations, you might eventually spend more money experimenting with different remedies.

Pose Risks to your Health and Safety

DIY pest control methods often entail applying chemical-based products. Improper application or exposure to these substances can harm your health and safety.

For instance, they may lead to skin irritations or respiratory issues. Moreover, pests like wasps or rodents can pose safety risks during DIY treatment without proper precautions.

Additional Considerations Before Using DIY Pest Control

Additional Considerations Before Using DIY Pest Control
Photo Credit: Freepik

 

Knowing the benefits and risks of DIY pest control, you might feel ready to handle the issue independently. However, there are additional factors you must carefully consider before using a DIY solution to control pests in and around your home.

Remember, prioritizing safety and efficacy is of utmost importance. Suppose you want to deal with pest problems without the hassle and cost of hiring a professional pest controller. Be mindful of the following considerations:

Assess the Infestation’s Type and Severity

DIY pest control can work effectively for minor infestation or prevention. For instance, it will probably do the trick if you spot a few common pests like stray ants or wasps in your home. Meanwhile, attempting a DIY solution may be too late if you’re dealing with large swarms of pests.

Consider your Availability and Knowledge

DIY treatments can be time-consuming as it often involves multiple applications and monitoring. Hence, it’s crucial to consider whether your schedule allows you to commit to researching DIY solutions, purchasing products, and implementing the methods effectively.

Be Aware of the Legal Restrictions

Some regions may have specific regulations surrounding DIY pest control and the products you can purchase and use. For instance, you may need professional licensing or certification to access certain pesticides or treatments. Therefore, researching local laws is crucial to ensure legal and safe practices.

Recognize When To Seek Professional Pest Control

Treating a pest issue alone isn’t always enough, even using the most effective DIY methods. They may persist despite your best efforts as they only address the surface problem, not the root cause.

Inadequate pest control can lead to a full-blown pest infestation, potentially causing structural damage to your home and posing health risks. While DIY methods can help you fix pest problems and save money, you must know when to seek professional assistance.

Generally, it’s advisable to call a professional pest control provider even if pests are only present outside your property. Identifying signs requiring professional intervention can help you effectively manage pest problems and prevent further damage.

Here are some signs to look out for:

  • Visible pest droppings
  • Strange sounds or smells around the house
  • Damaged plants or lawn
  •  Holes in walls, hollow wood, and other signs of property damage
  • Gnaw marks on electrical wires and other objects
  • Insect skins, wings, and shells
  • Nests and burrows
  • Unexplained bites or worsening allergy symptoms
  • Persistent presence of pests

 

Are you noticing these signs despite your efforts to control them with natural and over-the-counter treatments? That indicates that the infestation has progressed, and only professional pest control can address them for good.

Conclusion

DIY methods can be a viable choice when controlling pests in your apartment. However, its viability depends on numerous factors, such as the type of pest, the infestation’s severity, and the specific methods used.

Despite its lower upfront cost, DIY pest control can only provide short-term relief. They fail to tackle the underlying cause, often resulting in inadequate pest control. This can do more harm than good, especially when the infestation has spread.

If you want to ensure safety and thorough eradication, hiring a professional pest control provider remains the most effective option. Besides eliminating current pests, professionals employ preventive measures to minimize re-infestation risk.