US-focused DIY pest control guides
Identify the pest. Pick the treatment. Know when to call a pro.
PestsGuide is a practical field guide for homeowners: what that insect or rodent actually is, which DIY products are worth buying, and when the problem is serious enough for a licensed professional.
Where did you see it?
Pick a location above.
Not sure what you’re looking at? Identify common household pests →
Most-searched problems
The Big Four
Four pests account for most calls to US pest control companies. Each has its own hub with identification, damage signs, and ranked treatments.
Termites
Isoptera · structural risk: high
Mud tubes, frass, hollow wood. By the time you see them, they’ve usually been feeding for months.
Mosquitoes
Culicidae · seasonal: May–Oct
Yard sprays, traps, repellents, and natural options — and when a barrier treatment is worth paying for.
Mice
Mus musculus · entry gap: ¼ inch
Traps, exclusion, and room-by-room advice for walls, attics, garages, and apartments.
Ants
Formicidae · trail-based invader
Indoor trails, outdoor colonies, and carpenter ant concerns — matched to the right bait or barrier.
Quick answers
Common Decisions, Answered
Skip the research phase — these guides answer the exact question most visitors arrive with.
DIY or hire a pro?
Some problems are a weekend fix. Others need an inspection.
Our rule of thumb, across every guide on this site:
- Visible trails, single rooms, seasonal invaders — DIY usually wins on cost.
- Repeat activity after treatment, or activity inside walls — re-inspect before spending more.
- Structural damage, swarmers indoors, or safety risks — get a licensed professional.
