Are you thinking of handling termite control yourself? Think again. DIY termite treatments often fail due to a lack of access to professional-grade products, improper application, and an absence of guarantees. Without a certified pest control provider, you risk voided product warranties, losing insurance eligibility, and exposing your home to costly damage. Worse, mishandling chemicals can lead to serious health hazards. National Exterminating provides expert termite protection with professional-grade treatments, guaranteed results, and certified termite letters for homebuyers.
Sure, your pest control experts make it look easy – show up, spray some chemicals, put the Sentricon stations in the ground, and you’re good to go! But the only reason they make it look easy is because they’re experts. With the increasing availability of pest control products online, you may be tempted to set out on your own and handle your home’s termite protection yourself.
We’re going to stop you right there. Do-it-yourself termite control might seem like a good idea. But it absolutely, positively is not.
There are several reasons why you should avoid do-it-yourself termite control solutions. This month, we’re giving you several more things to consider if you’re considering the bad idea of handling your termite protection yourself.
Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Requires Access to a Supplier
There are two classes of termite control products. Professional exterminators use the most potent and effective solutions. Then there are the less effective, shorter-lasting products you can buy from your local hardware store or home improvement warehouse.
For effective termite protection, you need professional-grade products—and they’re going to be hard to find. Many pest control supply houses simply will not sell professional-grade products to customers who don’t have a valid exterminators’ license. Buying Termidor liquid or Sentricon stations and bait is intentionally difficult for unlicensed individuals for reasons we’ll get into later.
But let’s say you are able to find a supply house that will sell you Termidor over the counter. When you read the label, you’ll see one glaring issue that you may not have thought about: Termidor’s guaranteed protection is only guaranteed when a trained exterminator applies the product.
When you turn to your local pest control experts, they have no such supply issues. They can source the products you need – and if your situation requires a different solution from the standard, they’ll know what products to choose to meet your specific needs.
Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Comes With No Guarantee
If you do it yourself, you have no guarantees. Any guarantee offered by the pesticide manufacturer will be void the moment you apply the product without a license. And you won’t have the backing of a pest control company if you still end up with termites in your home or business. In other words – if you suffer termite damage, the repairs are 100% on you.
That’s bad enough in and of itself, but if you’re trying to buy a home, planning to DIY your termite control – particularly in Georgia – will guarantee that you won’t be able to secure homeowner’s insurance. Your selected insurance carrier will expect to see a “termite letter” or a certification from your pest control company that the home has been protected against termites.
Without homeowner’s insurance, you will absolutely not be able to find a lender who will issue a mortgage.
By choosing a licensed exterminator to provide your pest control and agreeing to a service plan that provides annual inspections, your termite protection is guaranteed. If your home or business suffers termite damage, your pest control company and the pesticide manufacturer will pay for some or all of the repairs.
Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Is Dangerous
Termidor and other modern termiticides are safe, especially compared to older termite treatments that are now banned in the US. But they’re only safe when a trained professional applies them.
Consider Termidor. Once it’s soaked into the soil around your home, it’s entirely safe. But while it’s still in bulk liquid form, undiluted, and at its most potent strength, it can be hazardous. That’s why your pest control experts always wear the appropriate protective gear, including heavy gloves and respirators, when they’re applying it.
The same goes for any professional pest control product. Making a mistake in handling or applying the chemicals can lead to:
- Mild-to-severe poisoning or even death
- Accidental exposure to pets or family members
- Inadvertent damage to your home or lawn
The best way to be safe around pesticides? Don’t be around them. When your pest control team comes in to apply treatment, your risk of causing a dangerous accident drops to zero.
Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Is Ineffective
At the end of the day, though, the main reason we advise against DIY termite control is simple: it just doesn’t work.
A licensed exterminator has been through rigorous training on not only the products and their applications but also in the overall practice of pest control. They know how to identify areas of your home or business that require special treatment. They understand how their products can affect other organisms and make changes to a treatment plan if needed. And, if there’s an issue with your home – such as wood siding too close to the ground or improper sill plate flashing – they can highlight it so that you can get it taken care of.
“Termite Season” Lasts All Year in Middle Georgia! Let National Exterminating Protect Your Middle Georgia Home or Business. Call Us at 478-922-1410.
Your Middle Georgia home or business needs a pest control partner you can trust. National Exterminating is ready to earn that trust with our exceptional customer service and cutting-edge pest control solutions. Call us today at 478-922-1410.
Related articles:
- Termite Damage 101: What To Do When the Damage Has Been Done
- When Is Termite Season in Middle Georgia
- Choosing the Right Termite Service for Macon, GA Pest Control