DIY Pest Control: What You Can Handle Yourself and When to Call a Pro

The pest control industry wants you to believe every bug requires a professional. That's not true. Many common pest issues can be resolved with the right products and techniques. But some pests genuinely require professional expertise, specialized equipment, or licensed chemicals. Here's where the line is.

Good DIY Candidates

Ants (common species): Odorous house ants, pavement ants, and most small ant species respond well to over-the-counter baits. Terro liquid bait stations are effective for sweet-eating ants. Place along trails, be patient (1-3 weeks), and seal entry points after the colony is eliminated. DIY cost: $10-$25.

Spiders: Most household spiders are harmless and actually beneficial (they eat other pests). Remove webs, seal entry points, reduce exterior lighting (which attracts insects that spiders eat), and apply residual spray around windows and doorframes. For dangerous species (brown recluse, black widow), call a professional. DIY cost: $15-$30.

Perimeter pest prevention: Quarterly application of a residual insecticide around your home's foundation and entry points prevents most common pests from entering. Products like Demand CS or Suspend SC are professional-grade and available online. Apply a 3-foot band around the foundation exterior and around windows and doors. DIY cost: $30-$50 per application.

Pantry moths and stored product pests: Discard all infested food, clean shelves thoroughly, and place pheromone traps (Dr. Killigan's or Safer Brand) to capture remaining adults. Store all dry goods in sealed containers. DIY cost: $15-$25.

Fruit flies: Eliminate breeding sources (overripe fruit, drain buildup, recycling bins). Apple cider vinegar traps catch adults. Clean drains with enzymatic drain cleaner. Problem resolves in 1-2 weeks once breeding sites are eliminated. DIY cost: $5-$15.

Call a Professional For These

Termites: Professional treatment is non-negotiable. Termite damage is structural and can cost thousands to repair. Professional treatment (liquid barrier or bait system) costs $800-$2,500 and comes with monitoring and guarantees. DIY termite treatment products exist but are far less effective and don't include damage guarantees.

Bed bugs: As detailed in our bed bug guide, these pests are extremely difficult to eliminate without professional heat treatment or targeted chemical application. DIY attempts usually fail and allow the infestation to spread. Professional treatment: $1,200-$3,000.

Carpenter ants: Unlike common ants, carpenter ants nest inside wood and cause structural damage. Locating and treating their satellite colonies requires professional expertise. Don't wait on these - the longer they nest, the more damage they cause.

Rodent infestations (beyond a few mice): If you're seeing rats, hearing activity in walls, or traps aren't solving the problem, professional exclusion and treatment is needed. Professionals have the tools and expertise to seal entry points you can't access.

Wildlife (raccoons, squirrels, bats): Wildlife removal often requires permits and must comply with local and federal laws. Many wildlife species are protected. Professional removal is the only legal and humane option.

DIY Subscription Services

Companies like Pestie, DoMyOwn, and Solutions Pest & Lawn offer subscription kits with professional-grade products customized to your region and seasonal pest pressures. These kits typically cost $15-$30/month and include the products, application tools, and detailed instructions for a quarterly home treatment. They're an excellent middle ground between doing nothing and paying $50-$70/month for professional quarterly service.