Top Signs Your Home Is Under Invasion: Recognizing Mouse Infestations
No matter how clean and well-organized you are, pests are always lurking in some dark recess of your property. While there are a plethora of over-the-shelf pest control options readily available today, they are almost always not as effective as their marketing suggests, nor are they as safe as they claim to be.
In an era where eco-friendliness is now more of a necessity than a mere marketing buzzword, professional pest control services are the better alternative to taking matters into your own hands. This blog will explain why.
The Inherent Health-Related Dangers of Readily Available Pest Control Products
Pest control products are readily available in hardware stores. Just because they are so easy to get your hands on doesn’t mean they pose no risk to humans, pets, or the environment.
Some of the most commonly used active ingredients in general insecticides found in aerosols and spray containers that are available to the public are Piperonyl Butoxide, Piperonyl Butoxide, Permethrin, and Pyrethrins.
Improper application, over applying, and avoiding the necessary stay out time can cause unnecessary exposure to the active ingredients. Exposure can be produced either via oral ingestion, dermal contact, or inhalation, and can cause such symptoms as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness
- Contact dermatitis
- Itching, burning, and tingling of skin
Rodenticides, no matter whether they are of the anticoagulant or non-anticoagulant type, contain a host of active ingredients that can be deadly to humans and pets when not used as instructed from the label or when not disposed of correctly.
The Environmental Impact of Readily Available Pest Control Products
Over and above the myriad of health problems these products can cause, they also pose a significant threat to the environment around us. Here is how:
Impact on Non-Targeted Species
Off the shelf, pest control products such as aerosols and baits indiscriminately eliminate species they intended to target and those that come into contact with them by accident.
Impact on Bio-Diversity
The DIY approach to pest control is also less effective than bringing in a professional service, as they can get rid of an infestation in one go. As a result, repeated use of said products over and over again can have a significant impact on the natural balance of the environment and its biodiversity.
A secondary effect of repeated use of said products in small quantities is that targeted species can develop immunity over time.
They are Not Eco-Friendly
Most readily available pest control products are derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum and natural gas. This essential results in an increased carbon footprint.
When not disposed of correctly, these products can leech out hazardous waste that can further impact the environment. The safe and legal method of disposing of these toxic products is not eco-friendly either.
Why Professional Pest Control is the More Eco-Friendly Alternative
In an era where inflation and cost of living are at an all-time high, convincing oneself to call in a professional service when more economical options are readily available can be an uphill battle.
However, on closer inspection, professional pest control services are almost always the more economical and eco-friendly. Here is how:
Expertise and Experience
Professional pest control services have decades, if not years, of experience dealing with all manner and severity of pest infestations. The same experience also gives them a better understanding of a specific pest’s behavioural traits and the potential source of the infestation.
The result is the ability to develop a systematic plan to eradicate the immediate infestation immediately and prevent future infestations.
Even if pesticides have to be used to deal with a severe infestation, professionals possess the expertise on how to use them effectively just this once without causing any further harm to the environment.
Targeted Solutions
The world around us thrives on a delicate balance; while pests are harmful to us and the environment, certain insects and rodents offset those negative effects. Readily available DIY pest control solutions are designed to be broad-spectrum products that will kill everything that comes into contact with them.
On the other hand, professional pest control services design and develop targeted solutions that will only eradicate the infestation at hand without unintentionally harming any other species.
This approach is also highly recommended for those with small children and pets at home.
Access to Regulated Products
Commercial-grade products are highly regulated and subject to stringent quality standards by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The PMRA approves products in Canada used in pest control and issue strict guidelines when it comes to labelling, storage, and disposal, as well as maintaining detailed records of product usage.
These products are only available to licensed pest control companies and their specialized technicians who are also licensed to carry and use commercial grade products. Pest control companies and their technicians are licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Environment who oversees the Integrated Pest Management Act.
Access to Professional Grade Equipment and Techniques
Professional pest control services have access to professional-grade equipment specifically designed to detect, identify, and eradicate pests in the safest way possible.
High quality stainless steel spray tanks, low-volume spray applicators, and electric dusters are some pieces of equipment used to ensure that the process is as effective as possible without causing any harm to the home or the environment around it.
Access to such equipment is not economically feasible for homeowners needing to deal with the occasional infestation.
Summing It Up
When it comes to safeguarding your home from pesky invaders, the DIY approach may seem like a cost-effective solution; however, the environmental impact and potential health risks associated with readily available pest control products far outweigh any perceived savings.
Professional pest control services, with their expertise and access to pro-grade products and technology, are uniquely positioned to offer targeted solutions. These solutions will ensure that your pest problem is taken care of swiftly and safely without compromising you, your family, or your pet’s health and the environment around you.
The icing on the cake is that you don’t have to deal with the same problem over and over again.
So, if you are dealing with a pest infestation and the health and safety of your family and your surroundings are your primary concern, look no further than Ridall Pest Control– a one-stop shop for pest control that checks the above boxes.
We offer eco-friendly, comprehensive pest control solutions around the Lower Mainland, and have led the pack for over three decades. Get in touch with us to get a free quote.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the pests that Ridall can help deal with?
You can depend on Ridall for ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, flies, and moth infestations. We can also have the skills and expertise to help deal with rats and mice, birds, and skunks.
How do professional pest control services ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of their products and methods?
Professional pest control services take a more strategic approach, called Integrated Pest Management, to eliminate infestations. Instead of a broad treatment, we follow the below steps:
- Identification
- Monitoring
- Action Threshold
- Management Options
- Evaluation
In addition to the above steps, we believe in communication with our customers to gather information, to provide recommendations, and to update on the progress of the treatment.
What are the environmental risks of using over-the-counter pest control products?
Due to their nature, readily available off-the-shelf products are not designed to target particular pests. They, in fact, contain broad-spectrum harsh chemicals that will not only kill the intended pests but will also cause significant harm to other beneficial insect species that come into contact with them.
Are professional eco-friendly pest control services more expensive than DIY methods?
While the initial cost of professional pest control services may seem higher than DIY methods, it can often be more cost-effective in the long run. The DIY approach often just addresses the infestation on the surface. Repeated attempts with standard products often end up costing more than hiring a professional service and may cause the pests to develop immunity to the pesticides.
Professional pest control services can treat for the current pest problem with products such as commercial grade pesticides, biological control agents, and physical and mechanical methods. This will help with the current pest problem, but can also help with the prevention of the pest from returning.
