Situations people usually don't handle alone
- Suspected termite activity or any wood damage of unknown cause
- Bed bugs, because of how well they hide and how easily they spread
- Stinging insect nests near doors, decks or play areas
- Rodent activity that continues after trapping
- Anything involving crawl spaces, attics or wall voids you can't safely access
Situations people often start with themselves
A few ants near a sink, one spider in a basement corner, or a fruit fly cluster after a bag of produce sat too long are common things people address with cleaning and store-bought products first.
The repeat test
If the same problem returns after two rounds of your own effort, that usually means the source hasn't been found. Finding the source is much of what an inspection provides.
A note on safety
Always follow the label directions on any pest-control product you use yourself. Never mix pesticide products, and keep products away from children, pets and food-preparation areas. If you have a health question, contact a healthcare provider or poison control rather than a pest-control company.