Pest control guides

Identify. Photograph or keep a specimen. Use free neutral help — state extension services, or the National Pesticide Information Center, which EPA lists at 1-800-858-7378. Identification determines whether you're facing a $100-$500 ant job or a $1,000-$4,000 bed bug job (This Old House, 2026).

Decide. Set your action threshold before a salesperson sets it for you. Single sightings of common insects rarely justify treatment.

Fix conditions. Moisture, food, harborage and entry points. For termites specifically, EPA points to grading and drainage, immediate leak repair, clear gutters, and eliminating wood-to-ground contact including firewood stored near the house.

Hire well and follow through. See the license, get the product and rate, follow the prep list exactly, note the re-entry interval, keep the service report, and diary the follow-up. Treatments fail more often from skipped prep and missed follow-ups than from bad chemistry.

How to choose

Free identification beats a paid guess

Extension services and NPIC don't sell treatments.

Never let one visit both diagnose and pressure-close

EPA consumer guidance warns about pressure sales tactics and unsolicited offers. Take the quote away.

Do the prep and the follow-up

Especially for bed bugs, where This Old House notes confirmation visits at $100-$150 and elimination taking months.

Fix the conditions or you'll pay twice

Treatment without exclusion and moisture control buys you a repeat visit.