Faced with the current economic climate, many people are trying to save money any way possible. More and more people are turning to do-it-yourself solutions for problems formerly addressed by professionals, and pest control is no exception. With many at-home treatment options to be found in stores, online and elsewhere, do-it-yourself pest control has become a leading trend for homeowners and renters alike. Often insect problems seem smaller than they certainly are, and it is difficult to see how deep the infestation goes before needing to call for professional help. These guidelines can help point out situations which might require some professional assistance.

1) Termites

Termites are the bane of homeowners and building managers alike and can easily cause rapid damage quickly. If termite swarms are visible or a remnant of termite activity is constantly being uncovered, it is time to call for help.

Termites are fast-moving and dangerous insects to have in any home, and can cause massive amounts of damage to wood in a relatively short period of time. Leaving a termite infestation untreated can cost a fortune in costly repairs, and need to be handled quickly and efficiently.

2) Carpenter Ants

Like Termites, carpenter ants damage the wood of a home or apartment and build nests that produce thousands of offspring quickly. These ants chew through wood with startling efficiency and can be difficult to find as they burrow into the wood of a home. Professional pest control experts are trained in locating these pests and know the best ways to get rid of them quickly before sufficient damage takes place.

3) Bedbugs

Bedbug infestations in popular hotels have made the news as of late, and these tricky bugs can cause serious health risks and are notoriously difficult to spot and get rid of. Trying to rid a home of these difficult insects can be dangerous to the health of the home owner and their family. Experts trained in bed bug infestations are more capable of handling these dangerous insects quickly without putting anyone at extended risk for health complications or respiratory problems due to prolonged exposure.

4) Severe Infestations

While it may seem fun at first to run around the house with a preferred bottle of bug spray squirting any insect that moves, the humor can quickly evaporate. Many insects like roaches or spiders can be harder to get rid of than expected, and it is often complicated to determine where they are coming from. Built for survival, roaches often head towards water leaks or hidden food supplies that the average person might have difficulty finding. Without getting to the source of the infestation or solving the problem of how they are getting into the home, the infestation can continue indefinitely. If bugs are constantly being discovered or uncovered, regardless of how much spray has been used, it may be time to call in the pros.

Professional pest control can solve a lot of problems that seem insurmountable to the average renter or homeowner faced with insect infestation. The harsh chemicals used for pest control remedies can often be harmful when used carelessly. Professionals know how to use these materials safely and ensure that they are applied correctly without exposing humans or pets to potentially harmful vapors or side effects. When in doubt, many pest control companies offer consultations that can give people professional advice on their specific problem and even give an estimate for the cost of potential treatment. When it comes to bugs that can be potentially harmful to people, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.