Should You DIY Pest Control? The Complete Homeowner’s Guide

We’ve all felt that sinking feeling in our stomach when we spot a cockroach, ant, or mouse scurrying across the kitchen floor. Even the cleanest homes will occasionally see common household pests. Having a preventive DIY pest control routine is key, but how do you know when to pull out the bug spray versus call in the professionals?

Professional pest control is ideal for its convenience and effectiveness, but it can get pricey. However, safety is a significant concern with many pests, such as bed bugs, termites, and rodents, which can carry dangerous diseases or cause substantial damage to your home. Our guide shares when DIY pest control can save you money and when you should contact one of the best pest control companies.

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The Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Pest Control

DIY pest control is tempting for most homeowners because of its convenience and low cost. Here’s a list of some of the most common pest control solutions, along with average pest control costs based on our team’s market research:

• Over-the-counter pesticides: You can buy these pesticides, usually in the form of sprays, at home improvement and other retail stores. Average costs range from $10–$50 per product.
• Traps and baits: Whether it’s a mouse trap or ant bait, these budget pest control tools cost around $5–$20 per pack at most retailers.
• Natural solutions: Depending on the pest, homeowners can try natural solutions like vinegar, essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and more for $5–$30 per product.
• Equipment: This can include sprayers, protective gear, or foggers, which range in cost from $20–$100.

While these costs seem budget-friendly—with most projects costing around $50–$150 in total—professional services may offer more savings over time. This is especially true if you’re dealing with pests such as termites or bed bugs, which can cause significant property damage if not properly treated.

Most professional pest control companies charge at least $200–$700 for a single treatment, depending on the severity of the infestation, type of pest, size of your home, and your location. Professional pest treatments cost more than DIY efforts initially, but you may end up having to buy several pest control treatments over time. Plus, with professional-grade solutions and expertise, the job is more likely to get done correctly the first time.

Common Household Pests You Can Tackle Yourself

Some of the most common household pests include bugs and rodents attracted to our homes for food, such as ants and mice, and pests that eat other bugs, such as spiders. While we recommend leaving some pests, including termites and bed bugs, to the pros, you can usually handle common household pests like spiders and ants with DIY efforts—as long as you address the problem quickly before the infestation spreads.

Most bugs become interested in your home because of the food, water, and shelter it provides. To prevent or get rid of pests, start by deep cleaning your home by consistently wiping countertops and surfaces and cleaning up crumbs and messes as soon as they happen. Check your home for food or trash that isn’t tightly sealed and address any loose containers to discourage pests. Then, fix and seal any cracks and gaps in your home, such as around doors and windows, to block pests from entering your home.

Purchasing over-the-counter products, such as ant bait stations, is a practical and inexpensive way to eliminate common pests quickly. Getting one pest infestation, such as ants, under control will often eliminate other pests, like spiders, that feed on ants.

Flying insects, such as mosquitoes, often look for standing water sources. Examine your property for any areas where water accumulates, such as a sink or bathtub, and tightly cover water storage units. Also resolve any leaks around your home and treat exposed water with mosquito tablets.

Rodents are another common household pest. While we generally don’t recommend treating large numbers of rodents yourself because of the serious health risks they pose, you can often tackle a lone mouse that breaks into your garage with a mousetrap.

Essential DIY Pest Control Supplies and Methods

Keeping essential pest control supplies on hand makes addressing problems as they arise easier. We recommend the following items as some of the best and most versatile supplies:

• Sticky traits or bait stations: These work on many crawling insects, like ants and roaches.
• Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder dehydrates insects that scurry across it, killing them over time. It’s ideal for the outdoors or near home entry points.
• Essential oils: Many homeowners use essential oils, such as peppermint and tea tree oil, to deter pests. Some pests are also repelled by cayenne pepper.
• Protective gear: Have goggles, closed-toe shoes, and protective gloves on hand in case you need to apply insecticides or chemical repellents.

In addition to these supplies, you can take measures to discourage pest activity in the first place. Keeping a tidy, well-maintained home is one of the best—and cheapest—ways to avoid pest problems. Eliminate food sources by regularly vacuuming, wiping down counters, and checking that your food is tightly sealed and inaccessible. It’s also important to consider home maintenance tasks, such as checking for gaps, cracks, or torn window screens. Many pests are attracted to water sources, so immediately address any leaks. Then, use seals and caulking to fill in any cracks and crevices that pests may use to enter your home.

Home maintenance and periodic pest control, such as using repellents, are only effective when completed regularly. We recommend deciding on a schedule and setting a calendar notification or reminder to complete an inspection of your home at least once a month.

Safety Considerations for DIY Pest Control

When tackling DIY pest control, take your time, review the necessary details, and read safety precautions for each product. Every pesticide product has a different ratio, application method, and other factors that impact how you apply it and related safety measures. Read the label for any warnings about environmental hazards. You must handle certain pesticides and products carefully as they can harm wildlife, plants, the soil, and water.

Follow the instructions on the product carefully and always wear protective clothing and gear, such as goggles, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. Depending on the product, you may need to mix or dilute the pesticide. If so, mix or dilute the pesticide in a well-ventilated area or outdoors and never use measuring cups or spoons from your kitchen. Only prepare the amount needed for the current application.

If you’re applying the pesticide outside, close the doors and windows of your home first and avoid application on a windy day. Prepare your home for indoor applications by opening the windows and turning on fans—if the pesticide label permits—for ventilation. You’ll also want to remove food and kitchen dishes, such as pots and pans, from the application area. Make sure children and pets leave the room or home during application and until the label states it’s safe to return.

If the worst happens and you or a loved one is exposed to the product, immediately check the first aid instructions on the pesticide. Then, call your local doctor or poison control center. Depending on the pesticide, you may need to rush the individual to the hospital or vet after administering first aid. Don’t forget to take the pesticide container or label with you so the medical professionals know what they’re dealing with. Lastly, consider safe storage and disposal measures. Always keep products in their original containers and out of reach of children and pets. We recommend a locked cabinet or garden shed to prevent accidents.

When To Skip DIY and Call the Professionals

Some pests are simply too challenging for a homeowner to tackle without the help of a professional. We recommend calling a professional for the sake of your family, health, and home when dealing with the following pests and situations:

• Termites: These wood-destroying pests require significant, professional-grade treatments and can destroy your home over time if not handled properly.
• Bed bugs: Not only are bed bugs concerning psychologically, but they can harm your family’s health. They are among the trickiest pests to eliminate without proper training and specialized equipment.
• Location: Call a professional if you have pests living in an inaccessible area or one that is unsafe for you to access, such as the roof. Roofs, attics, crawlspaces, and chimneys are common pest hiding spots.
• Sensitive areas: Pests may burrow or hide near electrical equipment, wells, or food areas, which are dangerous to treat with over-the-counter products without proper training. 
• Potentially dangerous pests: We recommend leaving pests that bite, sting, or carry diseases to the professionals. Examples of these pests include wasps, hornets, rodents, bed bugs, and cockroaches.
• Vulnerable individuals: Children, senior citizens, and immune-compromised individuals have a higher risk of health problems, such as allergies, asthma, or adverse side effects from pest contamination or diseases. You can risk your family’s safety by using DIY treatments instead of calling for professional help with dangerous pests or large infestations.
• DIY isn’t working: Call a pest control professional immediately if you run out of luck with your at-home solutions. If the infestation is growing, you see increased pests sightings or damage, or spot other signs such as droppings and shed wings, your DIY efforts likely aren’t working.

How To Choose a Pest Control Professional

Choosing a reputable pest control professional can feel overwhelming, but with a little bit of research, you can set yourself up for success. Start by researching local companies that treat the pest you’re dealing with. Ask multiple providers if they offer free inspections and schedule a couple of visits so you can get a feel for how each company operates. Ask the company for its state licensing and certification numbers, and if the provider’s employees are bonded, which ensures you get reimbursed for any damage or loss caused by a technician. Also, request a copy of the company’s insurance. Most contractors have general liability insurance. While this insurance isn’t required in most states, it can offer peace of mind if something goes wrong.

When the technician comes to your home, speak with them about their proposed treatment plan. A professional exterminator can discuss different treatment options with you, including eco-friendly and low-toxicity choices. If they appear uncomfortable having these conversations or insist on only one treatment method, consider another company.

After meeting with several providers and researching online reviews, we recommend asking about guarantees and warranties. A guarantee protects you in the event pests return after a treatment. For example, if the company treats for rodents or termites and these pests return, technicians will return to treat your home again at no extra charge.

Developing a Year-Round Pest Prevention Plan

The best DIY pest control plan is prevention. Taking proactive steps, such as staying on top of regular maintenance tasks, can help you avoid pest problems and expenses in the future. We recommend prioritizing the following maintenance tasks to prevent pest issues:

• Fix leaky plumbing: Many pests are attracted to standing water, so address leaks quickly.
• Clear your gutters: Wet leaves provide food for some pests and shelter for others, which you can avoid by keeping your gutters clear.
• Declutter: Keep your home clutter-free to avoid giving pests shelter. Many pests hide in clutter, such as cardboard or stacks of paper. These are also popular spots for breeding, giving an infestation the opportunity to worsen.
• Seal cracks and crevices: Periodically inspect your home for cracks and crevices, particularly in the foundation, cabinets, and baseboards. Fix these with caulk and use steel wool to fill the area around pipes. You can also cover holes with wire mesh to make it harder for pests to break into your home.
• Eliminate food sources: Pests go after food and shelter in your home. Keep your home as clean as possible and less attractive by wiping down your counters, sweeping up crumbs, and regularly taking out trash.
• Consider annual pest inspections: Consulting with a professional pest control service routinely can offer benefits. An annual inspection can help you catch pest problems early so you avoid more invasive and costly issues. Many cities or states also offer seasonal pest calendars based on what critters pop up in your area during each season.

DIY Maintenance After Professional Treatment

If you opt for a professional pest control treatment, the technician will review aftercare plans, including details such as when it’s safe to return to your home, when you can clean, and other important information. Some treatments, such as pesticide spraying, need time to dry, while others, like bait stations or trapping, don’t have a waiting period.

Once your given waiting period has passed, throw away any affected food and perishables in case of accidental contamination. Wipe down your windows, counters, and other surfaces in treated rooms. Then, plug any cracks or leaks your technician noted to prevent pests from returning. Stay on top of cleaning your home by immediately wiping up messes and spills, vacuuming, taking out the trash frequently, and putting food in airtight containers.

Your technician should provide you with an estimated time for how long the treatment needs to eliminate the pests in your home. Sometimes, you may see a temporary increase in pest activity directly after a treatment—don’t panic! This is typical. Once the estimated timeline has passed, keep a close eye for pest activity, such as seeing live pests, finding shed skins or droppings, and spotting new damage. If you spot any signs that the pests are still active, speak with your pest control provider about a re-treat, which is often covered under warranty.

Depending on the type of pest and infestation severity, your pest control provider may have already scheduled future appointments with you. If not, ask about annual inspections to have an expert inspect your home for pest activity or damage. This can help you catch problems early, making pests easier and less expensive to treat.

Is DIY Pest Control Worth It?

DIY pest control can work for minor issues and prevention. However, carefully weigh factors such as cost, pest type, infestation severity, and your family’s safety before using store-bought products. You can usually handle minor pest problems, such as spiders and ants, with a close inspection of your home, limiting access to food or torn window screens, and applying over-the-counter products. If your DIY pest control methods aren’t successful, we recommend calling in a pro to save you money and time in the long run.

Some pests, such as bed bugs and rodents, present serious health risks to your family, while others, like termites, can quickly rack up thousands of dollars in damage to your home. Another factor is reproduction. Many pests, such as rodents and termites, are notorious for rapid breeding, leading to massive infestations that can spiral out of control in little time. The more out of hand the infestation gets, the greater the risk to your home, family, and wallet. For these types of pests, it’s best to call in a reputable pest control company to ensure the job gets done right the first time.

Unless you’re certain you have a minor pest problem, professional pest control is worth it. You won’t need to worry about whether you’re using the correct type of pest control treatment or misusing it and potentially exposing your family to harmful chemicals. The experience a pest control company brings is invaluable, making professional intervention our recommendation in severe cases or when dealing with tricky pests.

FAQs About DIY Pest Control