Do-it-Yourself Pest Control

In general, a do-it-yourself approach to pest control is regarded as a temporary measure only. One cannot expect long-term results (three years or longer) from non-specialized treatments. Effective pest control requires knowledge of building construction in order to locate areas of origination, safely access crawl spaces and hard-to-reach underground points for bait and chemical application, and avoid electrical shock. It also calls for specialized chemical knowledge and handling skills, since baits and pesticides are hazardous to humans as well, and not all chemicals or insecticides are allowed in all localities. The use of nonchemical-based treatment is highly risky as well, such as in subjecting termite colonies to extremes of temperatures, or in treating them with low-current electricity, microwave energy or antibiotics.

Termite Man

Short-term control of pests may be effective with a few kinds of insects that nevertheless cause much harm to human health because they can carry bacteria that result in food poisoning, among others. These are, as discussed previously, usually ants and roaches or bugs. Pesticides intended for them can be readily bought at retail stores and judiciously and carefully applied by the home user. These range from bait stations, insecticidal mop rinses, liquid solutions, and gel-type, aerosol-type and dust-type pesticides.

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