What Chemicals Do Pest Control Companies Use And Where You Can Buy Them

Dealing with pests in your home or business can be a frustrating experience. To effectively eliminate and prevent future infestations, pest control companies often rely on a variety of products. 

What do pest control companies use? This blog discusses what chemicals pest control uses, pest control products, their benefits, safety, and purchasing options from certified companies.

Types of Pest Control Chemicals Used in Pest Control

Chemicals commonly used in pest control include insecticides for combating insects and rodenticides for controlling rodents.

Insecticides

Insecticides come in various forms, such as sprays, dust, granules, and liquids, and are widely used to manage pests that cause damage to crops, gardens, and other areas. Active ingredients in insecticides, including pyrethrins, carbamates, organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and synthetic pyrethroids, effectively eliminate harmful bugs. 

Insecticides can be applied directly to plants or sprayed into the air to target flying insects like mosquitoes or flies. Natural fly repellents are also an option.

Rodenticides

Pest control companies use rodenticides containing anticoagulants to control mice and rats. These chemicals prevent blood clotting, leading to death from internal bleeding. Some rodenticides use poisons that target the rodents’ nervous system, causing paralysis and death. It’s crucial to follow label instructions to avoid mishandling pets or children.

Pest control companies have a variety of chemical options available to them, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the types of chemicals used in pest control can help you make an informed decision about which one is best for your situation. 

Next, we’ll explore the potential benefits of using chemicals to eradicate pests.

Benefits of Using Chemicals for Pest Control

With all the ingredients and precautions listed above for pest control, what are the benefits of using chemicals to eradicate pests?

It’s cost-effective. 

Chemicals for pest control can be employed in smaller amounts than other treatments, like fumigation, yet still, provide long-term protection from pests. Additionally, the application of these chemicals usually takes less time than other treatments, so you don’t have to wait days or weeks before seeing results. 

It provides long-term and sustained protection.

There’s no need for repeated chemical applications, depending on the severity of the pest problem. Many insecticides contain active ingredients that continue working even after they’ve been applied, which means you won’t have to worry about re-applying them every few months like some other treatments require. 

It’s just as effective as expensive options.

The quick response of chemical applications means that the infestation can be dealt with quickly and effectively without having to resort to more expensive solutions. Because one application is more than enough for most cases, this means that it’s cheaper to keep your home free from pests.

Just because chemicals for pest control can provide a cost-effective, quick result with long-lasting protection, it is still essential to be mindful of the security concerns when utilizing these substances and follow directions on the label.

Safety Considerations When Using Chemicals for Pest Control

To ensure safety when using chemicals that are often toxic for humans and the environment as a means of pest control, follow proper storage and disposal procedures. Wear protective gear and clothing, and carefully read and follow label instructions for application techniques. Check with local authorities for correct disposal methods, such as burying containers 18 inches deep or taking them to a hazardous waste facility.

Protective Gear and Clothing Requirements

When using pesticides, it is crucial to strictly follow label instructions to avoid health risks and adverse effects on people’s health, plants, and wildlife. Mixing different chemicals should be done with caution as some combinations may create toxic fumes. It is also important not to spray near bodies of water unless otherwise indicated on the label. Safety precautions such as wearing protective gear and clothing should always be taken to prevent potential harm. Lastly, it is important to acquire pesticides from reputable sources to ensure their quality.

Where to Buy Chemicals for Pest Control

When it comes to acquiring chemical agents for pest management, there are options for homeowners out there:

Online Shops

Many online retailers offer a convenient and wide variety of home pest control chemical options and are generally knowledgeable about the products they sell and can provide expert advice on selecting the right product for your needs. Shopping online also allows for easy comparison of prices and reviews from other customers, making it easier to make an informed purchasing decision.

Local Hardware Stores

Local hardware stores may be a convenient option for those who prefer to shop in person or need a product quickly, but it is important to note that their selection may be limited compared to online retailers or professional pest control companies. 

Staff at hardware stores may not have the same level of expertise as those at professional pest control companies or online shops, which could lead to less effective pest control if the wrong product or application technique is used.

Professional Pest Control Companies

Professional pest control companies provide specialized equipment, expertise, and knowledge for effective pest elimination and long-lasting protection against future infestations. They use safe application practices to eliminate any potential health risks associated with pesticide use, guaranteeing results for your home or business.

Reasons to Choose Professional Pest Control Companies for Chemical Use

Professional pest control companies that specialize in chemical pest control offer various benefits. They possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to choose the appropriate pest control chemicals used and apply them for optimal effectiveness while following safety protocols to prevent health hazards.

They also have specialized equipment and tools such as infrared cameras and thermal imaging devices to detect hidden sources of infestation and apply treatments with precision, which DIY solutions may not be able to provide without proper training or experience. 

Additionally, professional services offer guaranteed results that last long-term.

FAQs about What Chemical Do Pest Control Companies Use and Where Can You Buy Them?

Which chemical is used for general pest control?

Pyrethrin, a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers, is commonly used for general pest control against ants, cockroaches, fleas, flies, and moths. However, its effectiveness is limited against bed bugs and termites, and it may not be the best choice for these pests.

What chemicals do exterminators use for bugs?

Exterminators use a variety of chemical techniques to control pests, including insecticides for flying insects like mosquitoes and fleas, baits for crawling pests like ants and cockroaches, and traps for rodents. Physical barriers like screens or weather stripping are also commonly used to prevent pest entry into buildings.

What chemicals do exterminators use for bed bugs?

Exterminators utilize a variety of chemicals to tackle bed bug infestations. Common choices include pyrethroids and pyrethrins, which are insecticides designed to target the nervous systems of bed bugs. Neonicotinoids, another type of insecticide, affect the bugs’ nervous systems in a different way. Some exterminators might also use insect growth regulators, which interfere with bed bug growth and reproduction. Alongside chemicals, exterminators often employ integrated techniques like heat treatment and preventive measures to ensure comprehensive eradication.

What do exterminators use for roaches?

Exterminators combat roaches using a range of methods. They often employ gel bait stations and enclosed bait stations containing slow-acting poisons that roaches carry back to their nests. They might also use insect growth regulators to disrupt roach reproduction, sprays with residual pesticides, and dust like boric acid or diatomaceous earth to dehydrate and kill the pests.

Exterminators often utilize an integrated approach, combining chemicals with preventive measures like sealing crevices and improving sanitation.

What chemicals does Terminix use?

Terminix uses a range of chemicals, including pyrethroids like cypermethrin and bifenthrin, organophosphates such as malathion and chlorpyrifos, neonicotinoids like imidacloprid and dinotefuran, and botanical insecticides like azadirachtin. 

Additionally, Terminix uses growth regulators, fumigants, and baits to address various pest problems. Trained technicians carefully follow label instructions to ensure the safety of people, animals, and the environment.

What chemicals do pest control companies use for spiders?

Pest control companies use insecticides containing pyrethrins, permethrin, and bifenthrin to target spiders and spider mites. These chemicals disrupt the spider’s nervous system, causing paralysis or death. Additionally, physical barriers such as sticky traps may also be used to prevent spiders from entering buildings.

Conclusion

Chemical pest control can effectively eliminate pests, but safety and environmental considerations should be taken into account. Professional pest control companies have the necessary knowledge and tools to safely apply these chemicals, ensuring your home or business remains pest-free without causing harm. 

Contact a local specialist to learn more about the types of chemicals used in pest control, where to purchase them, and if it is feasible for you to apply them yourself.