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Table of Contents
Introduction Part I: When Should You Call for Pest Control?
Part II: Will It Cost Less to DIY Pest Control?
Part III: What is Involved in Professional Pest Control
Part IV: How to Save on Pest Control
Introduction
It is not human instinct to call for professional pest control at the sight of a cockroach in the kitchen. In most cases, homeowners would try to address the potential infestation at hand with self-help measures in the attempt to save on costs.
As a pest control specialist in Singapore, we have observed many cases of homeowners trying to battle the pest problem on their own, only to end up worsening the infestation and paying for more to rectify their mistakes.
It is unfortunate how many people delay getting pest control services out of fear of the associated costs. What they do not know is that their neglect to address the problem immediately is what makes it all the more expensive. To set things straight, we are discussing just how much pest control costs and why it is actually worth the price.
In many cases, homeowners are not quite sure if they have a pest problem that warrants professional help. Giving pest control specialists a call is, most of the time, the right decision to make. Pest infestations spread quickly and taking immediate action can save you from the stress and costs of having to deal with worse infestations later.
Below are some signs that indicate when it is time to call for pest control.
READ MORE: Types of Smell that Spells a Pest Infestation
Getting rid of pests is already challenging and the problems they cause can extend from damage to infrastructures to health threats and costs to address the infestation.
It is bad enough to deal with one type of pest, but their existence could also attract other pests into your home. Unfortunately, this is not the only reason you should not ignore a potential pest problem because among other things, pests can:
Pests carry disease-causing bacteria that may result in serious health problems. For example, mosquitoes may carry viruses and parasites that spread diseases like dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria, and Chikungunya virus. Rodents, on the other hand, may contaminate food and the areas where you prepare food, with their urine and faeces. These may contain pathogens that cause many diseases including Hantavirus, leptospirosis, etc.
Termites and rodents are two top offenders in terms of structural damage. Whereas termites work quietly behind the scenes, burrowing their way into wood surfaces, beams, and flooring, mice and rats are constantly gnawing on things including your furniture, clothes and electrical wires. There is also the carpenter ants that can hollow out wood in order to nest inside.
Infestations can spread from house to house. This is particularly true if you live in an apartment where you share a wall with your neighbours. Bed bugs, for instance, can easily travel through electrical outlets, walls, vents, and pipes—and while there is a lesser chance of cross-infestation if you live in a detached home, that does not mean that it is impossible.
Imagine this: a female rat usually produces six litters a year, each consisting of 8-18 pups. It means a rat population can exponentially grow from two rats to about 1,250 in a year—at the least. As they grow, so does your pest infestation and it is not like rodents, along with other pests, would stay in the attic or basement—they will eventually work their way through your walls and invade the rest of your home, causing further damage.
Pests are part of an ecosystem. They not only feed on the food in your kitchen, they feed on each other, too. Moreover, what attracts one pest may attract another as well. For example, the moisture under your sink can attract cockroaches, rats, and ants, so do not be surprised to find them altogether.
If you let a pest problem go untreated, it can result in another pest problem—and another. We cannot stress how crucial it is to deal with these issues immediately when they arise. It is also better to leave pest control to the professionals as they have the knowledge, skills and equipment to identify the pest correctly, actively reduce their populations, and apply pest control solutions safely and effectively.
If your pest infestation is not severe yet, you may decide that it is okay to go the DIY route. However, the problem is that you cannot know for sure the extent of the infestation unless an inspection takes place—and it is not something that can easily be done without professional help.
Sure, you may see desirable results with these measures, but often, it is short-lived; after a few days or so, the pests may reappear and there is just many other risks in DIY pest control.
It does not target the source. DIY pest control primarily involves the use of sprays, baits, and traps that merely kill on contact. These applications only treat the symptoms and do so little in addressing the source of infestation.
It is a short-term solution. In cases when over-the-counter solutions work, they are usually a short-term fix. When you kill on contact, the pests remaining can easily relocate, regroup, and spread infestations further.
It makes pests more resistant. Over time, pests are becoming more resistant to chemical solutions. In fact, several studies indicate that bed bugs have developed some level of immunity to insecticides, further rendering DIY methods ineffective.
It can be misapplied. Even when DIY treatments are effective, it iseasy for you to misapply it and when it happens, you potentially contaminate your water, plants, and even the air inside your home, thus posing a threat to the health and safety of your family.
It can be costly. When these self-help measures do not work, you will likely end up calling the professionals anyway. It means you will have spent more money than if you had called for pest control services right away.
In addition to these, there is another issue with DIY pest control: what if the pest you think is infesting your home is actually different?
It may be easy for you to identify a cockroach, but it is not as easy to tell the difference between flying ants and flying termites or even identify a bed bug. What is more, what kills off a cockroach will likely not kill off rats.
Because different pests require different solutions, each method should be tailored to the specific pest to ensure effectiveness. In conclusion, while DIY is an option, it will never be as comprehensive and effective as a professional service.
Under these circumstances, hiring a pest control specialist remains the best option. So, what costs will you likely incur for pest control?
Perhaps the first question you will ask yourself regarding pest control is about costs. So, what is the average cost of pest control services in Singapore?
Short answer: It depends on several factors.
There is a wide price range in pest control services in Singapore, but when you look into the factors that influence the costs, it makes sense:
Getting rid of common household pests like cockroaches and ants is a standard pest control program that fairly costs less than getting rid of termite and rodent problems. It is because it takes more advanced products and solutions to control the latter and may require regular, scheduled visits. Some pests such as mosquitoes require a series or combination of treatments to eliminate mosquito population.
The more severe the infestation, the more you will have to pay for. Plus, it may also require a combination of control and preventative procedures—a method called integrated pest management—thus further adding up to the costs. There are times where additional and ad-hoc flush out programmes is required to bring down the infestation quickly.
As such, the frequency of treatments may also determine the price you pay for a pest control service. How often it should be done is based on the type and level of infestation. Frequency ranges between weekly, fortnightly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, and annually. Every pest control solution is designed differently and base on professional site survey and assessment. A long-term pest control service may be cheaper and having one in place can significantly reduce the presence of pests that make it to your home.
Other pricing factors also include the size of your property—obviously, the bigger, the pricier. Because the larger a property, the further the infestation could spread, and the more time it will require to successfully carry out the solution. This includes considering the outdoor including garden and car pouch, the backyard, the roof attic and different parts and rooms of the home.
Eco-friendly and low-toxic pest control solutions generally cost more than chemical treatments. Aside from that, the level of treatment and the use of innovative solutions such as digital rodent control or a quality active ingredient that optimises control efficacy may also further hike up the cost of pest control.
Pricing also differs between residential and commercial pest control services due to their varying needs. Given the size and nature of business of commercial establishments, you can expect the scope of treatment and techniques to be more comprehensive and expensive. This includes reporting requirement, audit compliance support and training needs.
Lastly, your preference for brand name and credibility in the market can also affect the cost of your pest control service. Some might price higher than the others due to their reputation and professionalism. However, it remains necessary to do your research to see whether they are worth the price.
There are several factors contribute to the price of a pest extermination. The best pest control companies in Singapore can only provide an exact quote after a visual inspection or inquiring about your pest problem. It is necessary to do your research and some price comparison to identify which service is worth the cost.
At Rentokil Singapore, you can submit an inquiry via our website about what pests you are trying to get rid of—whether it is ants, cockroaches, termites, rodents, or bed bugs, we got you covered. We will get in touch with you, discuss your pest control options, and schedule an inspection at a time that is most convenient for you.
Over-the-counter products are not that bad—they may be a viable option if you have detected the pests early, thus saving you money with DIY solutions. However, if you have a sizable colony in your home, your best protection would be engaging professional pest control services.
While it may seem costly to you, there are plenty of ways to save on pest control.
Hiring the professionals may seem expensive for a problem you do not yet have. It is a useful investment to prevent worse problems down the line. With the following tips on prevention and maintenance, you can save a great deal of money on pest control:
Pest damage worsens if you ignore them early on in its stages—they could attract other pests, cause significant damage, reproduce and compromise your health and safety. This is particularly the case with termites who can compromise the structure and stability of your home. Save on the cost of pest control by addressing the problem immediately and keep them from recurring by adopting quality pest control.
The most expensive does not always mean the best and likewise, the cheapest is not always the most practical option. So, why pay more than you have to? Shop around for pest control providers, request quotes, and ask your friends and relatives for recommendations. You should also check customer reviews—these users will give you the information you need to pick out the best pest control company.
Investing in eco-friendly solutions may be costly upfront, but they can save you money in the long run in terms of energy efficiency and long-term use. The Lumina LED Flytrap, for instance, offers an average energy savings of 61% compared to other flytraps and units. Pay for such innovations upfront and you will reap their cost-saving benefits for the long-term.
1. Lumnia LED Fly Trap
An LED lamp optimised for attracting, killing, and encapsulating insects hygienically to reduce risks of contamination. It uses up to 61% less energy compared to other fly killers.
2. PestConnect
An award-winning solution that provides 24/7 monitoring, rapid response, and protection against rodents. When triggered, it sends an alert to Rentokil who will be in contact with you to arrange an inspection.
3. In2Care Mosquito Trap
A green mosquito trap that targets two life stages of mosquitoes. It works by luring mosquitoes to lay eggs in the trap, which would eventually die when turned into pupae. The adult mosquito would eventually die in 7-14 days while spreading the active ingredient to sites they land on.
The best considerations in pest control lie in maximising the efficacy of treatments in place to make the most value of the paid services. A good example would be a long-term pest protection program that involves the eradication of pests as well as prevention of potential re-infestation.
In conclusion, whether these pests directly pose harm to your health and safety or merely carry diseases through their droppings, the fact will remain the same—you will never want to prolong their stay in your home. They can be dangerous to your health and destructive to your property.
Get a free quote for pest control services in Singapore, call our pest control specialists at Rentokil today. Contact us at (65) 6347 8138.