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To begin with, this is not a blog discouraging Do It Yourself projects. We love DIY! Some amazing things have come from people learning to do things themselves. Pinterest has provided endless ways to be your own personal chef, to build your own dining room table, and to create multiple ways to entertain your kids in the summer.

But there are some projects that ultimately should’ve never been categorized as DIY. These usually end up as what has aptly been coined “Pinterest Fails”. Google it sometime when you need a laugh and reality check of your own limitations and capabilities. Some examples include replacing shingles on your roof, trimming your teen daughter’s hair, and decorating your own wedding cake. Unless you have previous experience, we don’t recommend these things! They should be left to a professional; people who have studied and honed this particular craft to bring you the best results. We feel the same about pest control, and we provide some examples as to why that is with some FAQ below – besides the obvious, of course.

 

Q: We recently received a home inspection, and termites were found. The cost is higher than we imagined. Can we get rid of them ourselves?

A: Termites never come one by one. They comes in masses, in droves and can do major damage in a short amount of time. They find the hidden spaces and start to chew, and chew quickly. Unfortunately, simple treatments on the wood won’t remove the colony. The chemicals necessary to treat for termites aren’t suitable for those who aren’t certified. With Command, termite inspections are incredibly thorough and surprisingly affordable. Learn more about them here. (link to termite information on site)

 

Q: No matter what I do, when summer hits, carpenter ants show up. What can I do to prevent this or treat my home?

A: Your home – along with your pantry – is just as enticing to these bulked up ants as it is to you. With carpenter ants, the treatment isn’t terribly complicated; it’s locating all of them and getting rid of their traces completely that requires a professional. You’ll find most nests in door and window frames, and close to plumbing and leaks. Professionals can locate the colony and flush them out with direct application. What you can consider DIY is the removal of rotting branches closer to your home.

 

Q: I hear scratching noises in my walls. How can I find out what’s causing it and get rid of the problem?

A: With scratching noises, you could be dealing with a mouse, a family of rats, or their furrier cousin, the squirrel. Birds and chipmunks are also a possibility. If one of these guys has entered the picture, there’s possible damage to wiring and insulation. Rats are naturally frightened and therefore nearly impossible to catch. And if you find one, there are usually several in their wake. So it’s also vital to find the holes they left behind and seal them. Command professionals are trained to find and eliminate the problem quickly and completely.

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