You can handle many small pest problems yourself, but do-it-yourself pest control falls short when you can’t identify the pest, can’t find where it’s coming from, need a product that is sold only to certified applicators, or keep treating the same problem without results. In those cases, a professional adds identification, a search for hidden sources, access to restricted products and planned follow-up. Saela Pest Control is a residential and commercial pest control company in Orem, Utah, and before you buy anything, it helps to know the common DIY approaches that won’t work.
Personal Safety
Do-it-yourself pest control is reasonably safe when you follow the product label exactly; most problems start when a product is used in a way the label doesn’t allow. The EPA’s do’s and don’ts of pest control say to always read and follow the label, keep children and pets away from treated areas, never use outdoor chemicals indoors, and never assume that twice as much is better. The pests themselves can also be the hazard, especially a wasp or yellow jacket nest in a wall void, eave or the ground. Those nests are a reasonable point to hand off to professional wasp control rather than risk stings on a ladder.
Underestimating or Overestimating the Project
Most DIY efforts fall short because they treat the pests you can see instead of the source. As Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s subterranean termite guide points out, termite activity is often hidden behind wallboards, siding or wood trim, and it recommends licensed professional inspectors because they have the necessary training and experience. The opposite mistake is overreacting, such as spraying a whole house for a pest that was a one-time visitor or misidentified. At Saela, technicians are trained by Dennis Weiss, Saela’s board-certified entomologist, who develops the company’s pest-control protocols and conducts service-quality audits.
The Right Products
The right product depends on the species, and the wrong one can make a problem worse. Ohio State University Extension’s pharaoh ant fact sheet explains that repellent sprays can spread pharaoh ant infestations to new areas of a building, with multiple colonies forming, and it recommends baits placed by applicators who understand baiting. Some products are also off-limits to homeowners: the EPA’s restricted use pesticide classification means those products are not available for purchase or use by the general public and may be applied only by a certified applicator or someone under that applicator’s direct supervision. Even with consumer products, the EPA recommends ready-to-use products over anything that needs mixing.
Save Money and Time
DIY costs less up front, and for a single small problem it may be all you need; the costs climb when treatments don’t match the pest and the problem keeps returning. Professional service builds in follow-up: Saela’s integrated pest management cycle moves from identification to activity monitoring, targeted treatment and evaluation, and its plans include no-charge return visits for covered pests between scheduled services. In a July 2019 Google review, Anne DeBrie wrote that Saela “came back when they said they would to follow up” and called the service “TOTALLY worth the money (which I found reasonable).”
Saela provides residential and commercial pest control, including general pest, mosquito control, rodent control, flea and bed bug services.
Saela quotes each property based on pest type, location, property size, visit frequency and treatment products rather than publishing one price, so see how Saela’s plans and pricing work before you compare quotes.
When you compare providers, check independent ratings too; Saela’s Orem, Utah headquarters holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, as listed when checked in October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pest problems can I handle myself?
Small, easily identified problems are the best fit for DIY, such as a trail of small household ants, an occasional spider, or a gap that needs sealing. Iowa State University Extension notes that insecticide baits are a good option for small household ants, since foraging workers carry the bait back to the nest, but baits take time and not every ant species takes sugary baits. Cleaning up food and water and sealing entry points help with almost every pest.
Is it safe to use store-bought pesticides at home?
Store-bought pesticides are designed for home use when you follow the label exactly, including where the product may be used, how much to apply and how long to keep people and pets away. Use products approved for indoor use inside the home, keep them in their original containers, and never store them in food or drink containers.
When should I call a professional instead?
Call a professional when you can’t identify the pest, when activity returns after a couple of attempts, or when the pest is termites, a stinging-insect nest or something you suspect is hiding in walls. Getting the identification right first saves time and products either way. If you’d like a second opinion on a pest problem, book a call with Saela.
Who wrote this article?
Devin Hutchings (Marketing Director at Saela Pest Control) wrote this article.
Devin leads Saela’s marketing and growth strategy. He brings more than 15 years of marketing experience across Uber, C.R. England, Lugg, and Neighbor. His background spans customer acquisition, retention, and developing marketing channels for service businesses and consumer marketplaces.
