If you live in a house, it is likely that you will deal with rodents at some point. They can also invade apartments, condos, or virtually any other living situation in which you find yourself. Both rats and mice are common since humans mean food and warmth, both of which attract these types of small mammals.
You might decide that you’ll contact a rodent exterminator if you notice droppings or spot a mouse or rat somewhere in your home. Some people choose to tackle the problem themselves, though.
Which is the better option? We’ll discuss both in detail right now.
Should You Call a Professional Rodent Exterminator or Do It Yourself?
How Much Money Do You Have Available at the Moment?
Whenever you have the option of handling something yourself or hiring the pros, you should ask yourself how much money you have. That’s true with handling pest invasions, but also with many other tasks.
If you have plenty of cash, you might feel like hiring a professional exterminator makes more sense if you notice rodent activity in your home. If money is no object, then why bother handling the dirty work yourself?
If you don’t have a lot of cash at the moment, though, you may feel like it’s less costly to just buy some snap-action traps at Home Depot or some humane traps if those are more to your liking. If you can get rid of rodents this way, then that’s definitely cheaper than paying an exterminator.
Did You See a Single Rodent or Many?
If you spot one mouse in your kitchen a single time, then that’s hardly cause for alarm. Mice spread germs, but you probably won’t stay up at night sweating and fearful because of a single mouse. In this situation, you likely won’t call an exterminator.
What if you turn on the kitchen light during the night and see half a dozen rats scurrying in all directions, though? That’s a scenario where you have a much more serious invasion on your hands. You should absolutely call in the pros if that happens.
Rodents Are More Intelligent than You Might Imagine
You might also spot a mouse or rat somewhere in your home and think you can easily outsmart them by getting some snapper-style traps or humane ones. You can buy them in a brick-and-mortar location these days, or you can also get a company like Amazon to ship the traps right to your home.
However, what you might not take into account is how intelligent rodents actually are. Mice are not normally very bright, but rats are clever and calculating. Many of them can steal bait from traps and set them off without the rat actually being caught.
If you try to deal with rodents on your own and find that you’re not having the success you want, you may have no recourse but to call an exterminator. Being stymied by rodents is no cause for embarrassment. It’s a sure sign that you need the assistance of someone who does this for a living, though.
Other Vermin and Pests
When considering the extermination of rodents or other pests, it’s also essential to be informed about related creatures, such as squirrels. While addressing a rodent issue, homeowners often think about extending their efforts to other vermin. In this context, understanding the laws about squirrel poison is critical. Different regions have specific regulations regarding the humane treatment of wildlife, including squirrels.
Using poison as a method of extermination can have legal repercussions, apart from being harmful to the environment and potentially dangerous to other non-target animals and pets. Therefore, it’s crucial to be well-informed about these laws and consider safer, more humane pest control methods or consult with professional exterminators who are knowledgeable about legal and effective solutions for all types of vermin and pests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to dealing with a rodent infestation, the decision of whether to call a professional exterminator or handle it yourself depends on several factors
Ultimately, the decision should prioritize the effective eradication of the rodent problem while considering your personal circumstances and capabilities. Professional exterminators have the knowledge, experience, and tools to handle even the most challenging infestations, providing peace of mind and long-term solutions.
