When considering pest control, there are a few things you should consider. Whether you choose a company or choose a DIY method around your home, a few things come to mind when someone uses the phrase “pest control”

First, it is important to know what pest control is. Pest control is the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest; any animal, plant, or fungus that impacts adversely on human activities or the environment. The human response depends on the importance of the damage done and will range from tolerance, through deterrence and management, to attempts to completely eradicate the pest. Pest control measures may be performed as part of an integrated pest management strategy.

In homes and urban environments, the pests are the rodents, birds, insects, and other organisms that share the habitat with humans, and that feed on and/or spoil possessions. Control of these pests is attempted through exclusion or quarantine, repulsion, physical removal, or chemical means. Alternatively, various methods of biological control can be used including sterilization programs.

Now knowing what pest control is, we can better validate the idea of what precautions we want to take for our own property. Let's talk about the idea of doing your own care for pest control first.

Let me ask you a question, do termites eat plastic or wood?  If you answered wood, you are correct. If you answered plastic, you are also correct. Both are potential sources of food for termites, but not having knowledge of the feeding habits of termites you might not be able to take the necessary precautions.

The flip side of the conversation, keeping on the subject of termites, do you know how much it costs to fumigate for termites? If you guessed a few hundred bucks you might think that's a fair price but you would be wrong. Fumigating for termites can be in the high thousands of dollars for a single treatment. While regular treatments are usually$100-300 per visit.

Both of these options seem overwhelming for the common person. Well, the good news is that you don't need the knowledge of the habits of termites or thousands of dollars to treat your pest control issues. In fact, you probably don't have termites at all because they aren't common pests to have.

I think we have covered a strong argument for both sides of the idea of hiring a company or not. But how do we know if they are worth it?

Doing an inspection, knowing the habits of potential pests, and using preventative measures is the benefit as a homeowner of hiring a company. Being a few steps ahead on the maintenance of your home can mean a higher evaluation if you ever decided to sell. It can also prevent repairs needed on vital parts of the home.

An initial inspection by a certified expert or pest control company on a regular basis holds the greatest value for your property. From the factors we have covered, if the inspection shows signs of pests needing attention it's a good thing you have a company on site.

If not, it seems like you get a few more months of a protected investment. Or if you are cautious, you can have the company do preventative treatments on the property.

So, if you have a few hundred dollars a year for regular treatments, it's a smart option to have extra protection on one of your most valuable assets.