When to Call Professional Pest Control: 4 Critical Scenarios

DIY pest control works for occasional intruders. But four scenarios demand pros—immediately.

1. Active Infestation

Carpenter ants, termites, bed bugs resist DIY. Termites cause $1.5B/year damage. UF entomologist: "Hundreds of thousands to millions... entire wall eaten in months." Carpenter ants thrive in Florida's frost-free winters.

2. Bed Bug Evidence

Shed skins, blood specks, pepper-like feces, itchy red bites. Notoriously hard to find and eliminate. Not all exterminators are bed-bug trained—verify specialization.

3. Treatment-Resistant Pests

Ants, roaches, bees, mice persisting after your efforts? Surface kills miss the colony. Pros target the source.

4. Pre-Purchase Home Inspection

Discover termites/carpenter ants/roaches BEFORE signing. Post-closing discoveries cost thousands. Know what's moving in with you.

Bottom Line

DIY has limits. Pros have tools, training, and access to restricted products. Call early—damage compounds daily.