The Truth About DIY Pest Control
Trying to tackle a pest problem on your own? You're not alone. Many Hampton Roads homeowners turn to DIY pest control when ants, roaches, mice, or even termites start showing up. And while we get the appeal—saving money, quick fixes, and a sense of control—these efforts often backfire.
The truth is, store-bought sprays and home remedies rarely solve the root cause of the issue. Worse, they can make infestations harder to eliminate in the long run. At Getem Services, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you avoid the most common missteps homeowners make when battling bugs and rodents on their own.
Why DIY Pest Control is so Tempting—but often Misleading
It’s easy to understand why homeowners take pest control into their own hands. When you see a trail of ants or a couple of roaches, you figure a quick trip to the store will fix it. Pest control products are marketed as fast and effective, and online advice makes it sound simple.
But pests are survivors. Many species are experts at hiding, nesting deep inside walls, or avoiding the places you treat. By the time you see signs of them, there’s often a much larger issue behind the scenes—and DIY methods usually don’t go deep enough to solve it.
Here Are the Top 5 DIY Pest Control Mistakes and What You Should Do Instead
#1: Relying on Over-the-Counter Sprays Alone
Spraying a line of bug killer along your baseboards might give you a temporary sense of relief, but it doesn't address the bigger picture. Most sprays are repellents, not solutions. They might kill a few pests on contact, but won’t touch the nest or colony hiding behind your walls.
What to do instead:
Professional pest control targets the source of the infestation. At Getem Services, we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and professional-grade treatments to eliminate pests where they live and breed, not just where you see them.
#2: Misidentifying the Pest
Not all ants are the same. And not all roaches behave alike. If you’re treating the wrong pest—or using the wrong product for the right one—your DIY efforts might do nothing at all.
What to do instead:
Leave the ID work to the pros. Our trained team knows the pests of Hampton Roads inside and out. Whether it’s odorous house ants in your kitchen or German cockroaches hiding in your bathroom, we’ll pinpoint the culprit and use the correct treatment for long-term results.
#3: Sealing Entry Points After Spraying
It might sound logical to treat first, then seal up cracks and gaps to stop pests from returning. But here’s the catch: when you block entry points after pests are already inside, you can trap them and drive them deeper into your home.
What to do instead:
Our team inspects your property to find and seal active and potential entry points after ensuring pests are eliminated or flushed out properly. This strategic approach effectively prevents reinfestation.
#4: Using Too Much or Too Little Product
Over-applying pesticides doesn’t mean better results—it often means wasted money, increased health risks, and more resistant pests down the road. On the flip side, using too little can allow infestations to spread unchecked.
What to do instead:
Getem’s licensed technicians are trained in precise application techniques that are safe for your family and pets but tough on pests. We know the right products, the right amount, and exactly where to use them.
#5: Waiting Too Long to Call for Help
Many homeowners spend weeks—even months—trying different DIY methods before calling a pro. By then, what started as a minor issue can turn into a full-blown infestation.
What to do instead:
Call Getem Services at the first sign of trouble. A few bugs today can lead to many more tomorrow. Early intervention saves you stress, money, and time—and helps protect the value of your home.
Why Hampton Roads Homeowners Trust Getem Services
Getem Services isn’t just another pest control company—we’ve been serving the Hampton Roads community for over 100 years. That’s right—since 1922, we've helped thousands of homeowners and businesses keep their properties pest-free with honest service, unmatched experience, and results that last.
What sets us apart?
- A Century of Expertise
We’re not new to this. We know what works in our local environment, and we’ve adapted to stay at the forefront of pest control technology. - Customized Treatment Plans
No one-size-fits-all services. We tailor every solution to your home and the pests you’re dealing with. - Friendly, Knowledgeable Technicians
Our team takes the time to explain what’s happening and how we will fix it—no scare tactics, just real help. - Proven Track Record
Just check out our reviews. Hampton Roads residents continue to trust Getem to get the job done right the first time.
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Solving?
If you’ve been chasing bugs with a can of spray or misplaced traps, let’s talk. DIY pest control may seem simple, but lasting results take professional know-how.
Call Getem Services today or fill out our form. We’re proud to serve homeowners across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and the entire Hampton Roads area.
Let us take pest control off your to-do list—once and for all.
Get Help Now!
Request Your Free Quote
