DIY Rat Control vs. Hiring Professionals

Rats and mice can be a major nuisance once they invade homes and businesses. They cause damage by gnawing and contaminating food with droppings, urine, and dander. Seeing droppings and other signs they are present is unsettling. Yet attempting do-it-yourself (DIY) control methods often falls short of fully resolving infestations. There are good reasons to hire pest control experts instead.

Having operated for years helping homeowners and managers remove rodents, we have seen the destruction rats and mice cause first-hand. More importantly, we understand the limitations of DIY techniques from glue traps to poisons. Our certified technicians take an inspection-based approach to identify all possible access points, food sources, and nesting areas. We create a tailored treatment plan using advanced monitoring equipment and targeted baiting methods. This allows us to find and eliminate every last rodent on a property.

Key Differences Between DIY Efforts and Professional Pest Control

Prevention knowledge

We know how rats and mice enter homes and structures. Our technicians search extensively for any small openings that lead inside and recommend sealing them. DIY attempts often overlook major entryways that enable new rodents to keep invading even after some are caught or killed.

Advanced equipment

From thermal imaging cameras to high-sensitivity motion detectors, our techs use specialty gear the average person lacks. These tools pinpoint rodent locations and movements for precise, efficient control you cannot match on your own. We leave monitoring devices on site following service to ensure the property stays rodent-free.

Strategic process

Instead of placing some baits and traps randomly, our customized plans methodically cut off food sources and nesting spots. We use weather resistance bait stations at the optimal spots inside and out based on rodent activity patterns. Years of experience create control plans DIY users are unable to match.

Guarantee

We provide a full guarantee of efficacy for three months after completing service. You take all the risk trying to tackle rats or mice yourself without this assurance of results. We stand behind our work and will return to retreat if needed during the warranty period.

Better materials

Some amateur products like glue boards and loose pellets have limited effectiveness and risk unintended consequences like pets or children encountering them. Our commercial-grade baits, traps, and rodenticides are more potent and secure from placing any non-targets at risk. We know how to correctly place and monitor them as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I just use rat poisoning pellets I buy at the hardware store?

Loose poisoning pellets have risks, like pets eating them and young children getting into them. Rats will also hoard and cache the pellets instead of eating them right away. This delays population control. Our secured, commercial bait boxes keep poisons inside but allow rats and mice easy entry to eat inside.

I tried some glue traps already but have not caught anything – now what?

Glue boards and other DIY traps only work if placed precisely along rodent runways and foraging paths. Without proper inspection and activity monitoring, it is extremely difficult for amateurs to find these optimal locations. After a thorough inspection, our technicians use monitoring data to place traps and bait where rodents travel. This allows us to catch rats and mice even when glue traps have failed.

Why can’t I just seal all holes in my home’s exterior?

Sealing all exterior holes helps but often misses major, hidden entryways inside walls or under slabs we uncover. Rats can enter openings as small as 1 cm across. Their teeth and claws make new ways in too. Our inspection identifies overlooked gaps and we recommend sealing interior routes. Exterior sealing alone frequently fails because new areas go undiscovered.

I found a dead rat after putting down poison – doesn’t that mean the problem is solved?

Catching and killing some individual rats does not guarantee eliminating an entire population. Finding one dead rodent signals others remain at large. They hide in nests and avoid baited areas temporarily after some deaths. Without removing all food, water, and harborage areas, remaining rats bounce back and keep breeding. Only comprehensive removal of key survival elements finishes the infestation for good.

Take the Next Step

If you have spotted any signs of an active rodent problem like droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, strange sounds, or foul odors, do not delay taking action. Every day populations grow and the damage intensifies. Avoid wasted time and money on DIY techniques that cannot match our professional standards. For a free quote and to schedule certified rodent removal service throughout Johannesburg, Contact Pest Control WR today. Our experts make rat and mice problems disappear for good.

Scroll to Top