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I can see plenty of pest-specific topics on here, including an at-home solution. However, my question relates to general pest control, and when to know to call in the big guns.

I maintain rental properties which currently have a pest control schedule. Due to pricing discounts, I also group my own home into this as well. None of the homes seem to have a real infestation issue; all are mostly preventative.

Are the chemicals used in most pest control available over the counter? Are there any good resources for mixing your own? The only resources I know of is big box home stores, and their options can seem limiting at times (Or at least brand-name expensive).

If I were to start to do this for the majority of pest control options; I'd save a lot of money, but was unsure if chemical potency could be matched.

Shawn
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Depending on your state you can usually get the appropriate chemicals.

I'm certain that there are some that you cannot get without appropriate licensure but for the types used by most "spot treatment" pest management it is available. In fact you can probably apply it more effectively yourself than the typical visiting service person does.

One risk is that you use too much, which can have an ecological impact.

But, for example, you can order common pest control chemicals such as Termidor (fipronil), Indoxocarb, Imidaclorprid, Abamectin... Etc.

These sort of "pro" pesticides are not typically found at big box stores. I've had excellent experience with DoMyOwn.com

Be smart, safe, and responsible. Try to find chemicals which are appropriately and narrowly listed for the pests you are trying to control. Mix and apply according to the recommended ratios and schedules.

Do this once and compare your experience to using a scheduled service. In my case, for spider management, I used nearly 6 gallons of mix for my entire home and it took by nearly 6 hours to clear the webs, eggs, etc. When I've had a pest-managment company they are usually here for under an hour and don't refill their sprayer even once.

Matthew
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