Pest Control vs. Exterminator

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Not too long ago, it was commonplace for homeowners to see a cockroach or spider inside the house and immediately call an exterminator to “bomb” the house with harsh chemicals to exterminate any other pests that might be lurking inside. It might surprise you to learn that exterminators are not as popular as they used to be as more people are turning towards pest control instead. Here are the differences between the two:

Pest Control

A pest control company distinguishes itself by being more focused on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. You can expect a pest control company to take a comprehensive look at your property and determine where problems might arise in addition to addressing pest problems that already exist. Your relationship with a pest control company is typically a long one, so your pest control professional will do their best to make sure you are as involved in the process as you want to be. 

They will let you know exactly what they are doing and what chemicals they are using, so you can feel safe and comfortable about inviting them into your home. Your pest control professional will be educated on which pest control methods are the safest, most effective, and most environmentally-friendly. A pest control professional will focus on preventative measures, such as sealing gaps in windows and removing any debris that is near your home, so that you do not have to resort to drastic solutions down the road. 

Exterminator

When you imagine an exterminator, you likely picture someone in a gas mask, hauling around potent chemicals. You would not be too far off! Exterminators are primarily focused on providing immediate, short-term solutions for out-of-control problems. Exterminators frequently rely on dangerous chemicals and pesticides that require you to vacate your house for several hours after spraying so that you do not inhale the fumes. 

While an exterminator can come in handy if you happen upon a pest problem that requires a drastic solution, they should not be interchangeable with a pest control professional. Exterminators are entirely focused on solving the problem at hand, not necessarily looking out for any potential problems that could come up in the future. Exterminators know that their relationships with clients are short-term, so you may not receive as good of service as you can expect from a pest control professional. 

Additionally, while their title is “exterminator”, most exterminators do not provide a guarantee that your home will be free of pests. In fact, they can’t! The pests always come back, so it is typically in your best interest to seek out a pest control professional, like McCauley Services, who will take a more comprehensive and safe approach to control pests in your home.