DIY Pest Control Guides

Honest, step-by-step guides for handling common pest problems yourself. We'll tell you exactly what works, what doesn't, and when it's time to call a professional.

Insects

How to Get Rid of Ants in Your House (DIY Guide)

Step-by-step DIY guide to get rid of ants in your house. Learn what attracts them, how to eliminate colonies, and keep them from coming back.

Easy1–2 hours (plus 1–2 weeks for bait to work)$5–$25

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches (DIY Guide)

DIY guide to eliminating cockroaches from your home. Learn effective bait and treatment strategies, prevention tips, and when to call a professional.

Moderate1–2 hours setup, 2–4 weeks to resolve$10–$35

How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home (DIY Guide)

Complete DIY flea removal guide for your home and pets. Learn effective treatment strategies, vacuuming techniques, and prevention to stop fleas for good.

Moderate3–4 hours, repeated over 2–4 weeks$20–$60

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants (DIY Guide)

DIY guide to identifying and treating carpenter ant infestations. Learn the difference between carpenter ants and termites, signs of damage, and when to call a pro.

Hard2–4 hours, plus monitoring over weeks$15–$40

Rodents

How to Get Rid of Mice in Your House (DIY Guide)

Complete DIY guide to getting rid of mice. Learn how to set traps, find entry points, seal your home, and prevent mice from coming back.

Moderate2–4 hours setup, 1–3 weeks to resolve$15–$50

How to Keep Mice Out of Your House This Winter (Prevention Guide)

Prevent mice from entering your home this winter with this step-by-step exclusion guide. Learn where mice get in and how to seal every gap before cold weather hits.

Moderate3–5 hours for a full home inspection and seal$20–$60

How to Get Rid of Rats (DIY Guide)

DIY guide to getting rid of rats. Learn the differences from mice, effective trapping strategies, and why rats are harder to eliminate on your own.

Hard3–5 hours setup, weeks to resolve$30–$75

Flying Pests

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Fast (DIY Guide)

Get rid of fruit flies in your kitchen with simple DIY traps and prevention tips. Learn what attracts them, how to make vinegar traps, and how to keep them away for good.

Easy15–30 minutes setup, 3–7 days to resolve$0–$10

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Yard (DIY Guide)

DIY guide to reducing mosquitoes in your yard. Learn how to eliminate breeding sites, choose repellents, and create a mosquito-free outdoor space.

Easy1–2 hours for initial setup, ongoing maintenance$10–$40

How to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest Safely (DIY Guide)

Safe DIY guide to removing wasp nests. Learn when it's safe to DIY vs call a pro, how to treat different nest types, and prevention tips.

Hard30 minutes–1 hour (for accessible nests)$5–$15

How to Get Rid of Drain Flies (DIY Guide)

Get rid of drain flies with this easy DIY guide. Learn what causes them, how to clean drains properly, and prevent them from coming back.

Easy30 minutes–1 hour$0–$15

How to Get Rid of Gnats in Your House (DIY Guide)

Get rid of gnats fast with this DIY guide. Covers fungus gnats, fruit flies, and drain flies — how to identify which you have and eliminate them.

Easy15–30 minutes$0–$15

Occasional Invaders

How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your House (DIY Guide)

DIY guide to reducing spiders in your home. Learn which spiders are harmless, which are dangerous, and how to keep them out naturally.

Easy1–2 hours$5–$20

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs (DIY Guide)

DIY guide to getting rid of stink bugs in your home. Learn prevention, removal methods, and how to keep them from invading every fall.

Easy1–2 hours for prevention, ongoing removal$5–$20

How to Get Rid of Silverfish (DIY Guide)

DIY guide to getting rid of silverfish. Learn what attracts these moisture-loving pests, effective treatments, and how to prevent them from damaging your belongings.

Easy1–2 hours$5–$20

How to Get Rid of House Centipedes (DIY Guide)

DIY guide to reducing house centipedes. Learn why they're actually beneficial, when to take action, and how to keep them out of your living spaces.

Easy1–2 hours$5–$15

Methods & Guides

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control (Complete Guide)

Complete guide to using diatomaceous earth (DE) for DIY pest control. Learn how it works, which pests it kills, how to apply it, and important safety tips.

Easy30 minutes–1 hour$8–$15

Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Actually Work? (Honest Answer)

Do ultrasonic pest repellers work? We look at the science, FTC warnings, and real-world evidence. Here's what actually works for pest control instead.

Easy5 minutes to read$0 (save your money)

DIY vs Professional Pest Control: When to Call an Exterminator

When should you DIY pest control vs hire a professional? This guide breaks down the decision by pest type, severity, and situation so you know when to call for help.

Easy5 minutes to readVaries by pest

Tiny Bugs in Your Bathroom? Here's How to Identify Them

Guide to identifying small bugs commonly found in bathrooms. Learn whether you have drain flies, silverfish, springtails, or other moisture-loving pests and how to get rid of them.

Easy10 minutes to identify, varies for treatmentVaries by pest

DIY Not Working?

Some pest problems need professional help. Describe your situation and get matched with licensed pros in your area.

Get a Free Quote

Find Local Exterminators

Browse our directory of licensed, reviewed pest control companies near you.

Search Directory