Can You Handle a Pest Problem on Your Own? Here’s When to Call the Experts

Nobody likes uninvited guests, especially when they have six legs, wings, or a tail. Finding ants in the kitchen or hearing something scurrying in the walls is enough to make anyone uneasy. But when that happens, what should you do? Can you get rid of pests on your own, or do you need professional help?

The answer depends on a few things—like what kind of pest you’re dealing with, how bad the problem is, and whether your DIY methods actually work. Let’s break it down so you know when it’s time to take matters into your own hands and when to call in the experts.

Small Problems You Can Handle on Your Own

Not every pest problem requires professional extermination. Some are minor and can be fixed with a little effort. If you catch a problem early and take the right steps, you might be able to keep it from getting worse.

A Few Ants Here and There

If you see a couple of ants in your kitchen, it doesn’t mean you have an infestation—yet. Ants leave behind invisible scent trails to guide others to food, so if you don’t act fast, more will follow. Wipe down surfaces, store food in sealed containers, and take out the trash regularly. You can also try ant baits or sprays to stop them before they spread.

Spiders in the Corners

Most spiders are harmless, and they actually help by eating other insects. If you’re seeing just a few here and there, a vacuum or a broom is enough to handle them. Keeping your home free of clutter and sealing cracks can also prevent more from moving in.

Occasional Roaches

A single cockroach doesn’t always mean an infestation, but it’s a sign that there could be more nearby. Roaches are drawn to food crumbs and moisture, so deep cleaning and sealing up gaps around pipes and doors can help. Roach traps and gel baits are also good for handling a small problem before it becomes a big one.

Mice That Just Arrived

If you’ve only seen one mouse and haven’t noticed droppings, chewed-up food packaging, or scratching noises at night, you might be able to handle it with traps. Setting up snap traps or humane catch-and-release traps near baseboards can work if you act quickly. But if the mice keep coming back, that’s a different story.

When DIY Pest Control Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, no matter how many traps you set or how much you clean, pests keep showing up. That’s when it’s time to consider calling certified local exterminators. Some pests are harder to deal with than others, and trying to handle them on your own can waste time and money. Here are some clear signs you need professional help.

The Problem Keeps Coming Back

If you’ve sprayed, set traps, and sealed entry points, but pests still return, there’s a good chance you’re not getting rid of the source. Many DIY solutions only kill the pests you can see, not the ones hiding behind walls, under floors, or inside cabinets. Professionals can track down nests, eggs, and hiding spots that you might not even know exist.

You See a Lot of Pests at Once

A few ants or roaches might not be a big deal, but if you see them constantly or in large numbers, that means there’s an infestation. Pests reproduce quickly—especially cockroaches, termites, and bed bugs—so if you’re seeing a lot, there are likely many more where they came from.

You’re Dealing with Dangerous Pests

Some pests aren’t just annoying—they’re actually dangerous. If you’re dealing with any of these, it’s best to call a professional right away:

• Termites – They can silently destroy the structure of your home. DIY treatments rarely work because they live deep inside walls and wood.
• Bed Bugs – These tiny insects hide in mattresses, furniture, and even electrical outlets. Most home treatments don’t eliminate them completely.
• Wasps & Bees – Stings can be painful or even life-threatening for people allergic to them. Removing a nest without proper equipment is risky.
• Rodents (Mice & Rats) – They carry diseases, chew through electrical wires, and multiply quickly. If you see one, there’s usually more.

You Notice Signs of Structural Damage

Pests like termites, carpenter ants, and rodents don’t just invade your home—they can cause expensive damage. If you notice sagging floors, hollow-sounding wood, or gnawed wires, you need professional help before the problem gets worse.

What Professionals Can Do That You Can’t

Calling an exterminator doesn’t just mean someone comes in and sprays chemicals everywhere. A good pest control expert knows how to find the root of the problem and get rid of it for good. Here’s what they can do that most DIY methods can’t:

• Identify the exact type of pest – Different pests require different treatments, and professionals know exactly what they’re dealing with.
• Use stronger, more effective treatments – Many over-the-counter sprays and traps only work temporarily, while professionals have access to solutions that eliminate the entire infestation.
• Find and seal entry points – Exterminators can locate cracks, holes, and openings that pests are using to get in and help seal them up.
• Provide long-term prevention – Instead of just getting rid of pests once, experts can create a plan to keep them from coming back.

So, Should You Call the Pros?

If you’ve only seen a few bugs or mice and caught the problem early, you might be able to handle it yourself. Just make sure to keep your home clean, seal up entry points, and use traps or baits correctly.

But if the problem keeps coming back, you’re dealing with dangerous pests, or you’ve seen damage to your home, it’s time to bring in professionals. Trying to fix a serious infestation on your own can end up costing more in the long run—both in time and money.

Pests don’t just go away on their own. The sooner you act, the easier (and cheaper) it is to get rid of them. Whether you go the DIY route or call in experts, taking care of a pest problem quickly is the best way to protect your home and peace of mind.