The War on Bugs

According to the requests we receive for insect control here at HomeAdvisor, it seems likely that homeowners are having more problems with bugs. While calls for insect exterminators are not necessarily the most conclusive means of determining residential bug populations, the increase in requests does make it worth our while (and yours, too!) to further examine why insect control is becoming such a popular task.

Are there Really More Bugs?
We can't count all the bugs on our fingers, and even finding the total number of ants in a single hill can be a challenge to the average Joe, but there are real experts on the subject out there who have some very interesting things to say about insect populations. According to Living Science.com, recent years have seen "a widening of malarial zones." Additionally, a 2006 University of Washington study looked at 65 insect species and found a correlation between warm climes and population growth across the board, which means that global warming could have a distinct effect on the total number of insects on the planet. (It should be noted, however, that global warming could mean extinction for some insects, particularly tropical ones.)

The total number of insects on the planet is estimated to be somewhere around 10 exponent 18, or more than one billion insects for every living person. Bugs reproduce fast, and their large numbers make them very difficult for homeowners to eliminate every solitary one on their own. With the probability of one or two varieties of bugs entering your home at about 100%, there's no doubt that insect control is a discipline that's here to stay.

Why Insect Control Is Important
Insect control is not as important in some situations as it is in others. An occasional cockroach can simply be squished; the odd ant will probably get out of your way on its own without a lot of commotion, and a spider or two can actually help control other insect populations. However, many common insects are associated with more than just looking gross; many insects are harmless in ones and twos, but can cause property damage or spread disease in larger populations. If you notice large numbers of a particular insect inside your house, it is generally a good idea to at least consult with a pro on whether or not this particular bug could present more than a casual nuisance.

DIY Insect Control
Hiring an insect exterminator is certainly a good idea for problems that are out of control or for those who want to prevent problems in the future. However, while a professional is certainly the right person to call for well established insect infestation, there are several steps you can take yourself to reduce insect and rodent infestation during the early stages.

The wide array of pest control products available at your local hardware store (or even at your grocery store) can be very effective if used well.

Keep kitchens and other food-containing areas clean to discourage roaches, ants, and other insects.

Eliminating standing water is key in mosquito control (don't forget to clean your gutters, as they make a great breeding ground when they are clogged).

Set traps in areas where they will do the most good. If you've seen insect activity focus on a particular area, that's where you should focus, too.

Fill in and seal gaps where insects and small rodents can enter the house.

Make sure garbage cans seal tightly (and keep them sealed whenever possible).

Professional Insect Exterminators
Homeowners are way outnumbered when it comes to fighting bugs, and one of the most common reasons why people call in professional insect exterminators is that they've already tried everything they could think of to no avail. Insect control is a science, and the measures that might completely eradicate an insect problem in one scenario could be ineffective in another. Professional insect exterminators bring more to the table than a spray-bottle. When you hire a pro for insect control, you are getting his or her knowledge not just of insects in general, but of their activity in your specific area.

One of the biggest drawbacks to DIY insect control is that it is simply not specialized enough to do the job right. Just as boiling an egg in Denver is different than cooking a turkey in Death Valley, getting rid of roaches or ants in Florida is different than reducing wasp activity in Pennsylvania. Your local insect exterminator will be outfitted with all the best equipment and will have access to products the average homeowner doesn't. While your own efforts might end without making much of an impact, a good exterminator will be able to assess the situation and develop a plan to eliminate your insect problem; because your exterminator will have plenty of knowledge on dealing with your area in particular, he or she will know what works, what doesn't, and what precautions you can take to keep infestation from happening again.