Before selecting a product or rushing into a decision on how to solve your pest problem, there are important things to consider:

• Make sure the pest is properly identified. Your efforts won't do any good if they are not tailored to your pest. Even different types of ants eat different foods and require different control measures.
• If you use a pesticide, be sure to read and follow the product label. The majority of misapplications reported to NPIC are performed by homeowners or renters, not pest control operators.
• Do not mix up your own "recipe" from other pesticides or household products. Products available in the store have been evaluated for risks to people, pets, and the environment.

For the DYIer who enjoys home-improvement projects, integrated pest management (IPM) incorporates many common sense approaches such as removing food sources, sealing entry points, controlling moisture problems, and using pesticides, if necessary. Using an IPM approach can reduce or eliminate the need for pesticides.

When should I ask for help from a pest management professional?

Consider contacting a certified, professional applicator if:

• The pest is difficult to identify, locate, access or requires special equipment
• The application requires technical skill beyond your ability
• You are unable to apply the product safely
• Your efforts so far have not been successful
• A restricted use pesticide (RUP) is required to control the pest. Only licensed applicators can buy or use RUPs.

Additional Resources:

• Do you really need to use a pesticide? - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Keep Safe: Read the Label First - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Natural Enemy Releases for Biological Control of Crop Pests - University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Controlling Pests - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Pest Control: Resources for Residents - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Home, garden, turf, and landscape pests - University of California Statewide IPM Program
• How to Control Pests Safely - NYC.gov
• Do-It-Yourself Termite Baits: Do They Work? - University of Kentucky Extension
• Do it Yourself or Hire a Professional? - Illinois Department of Public Health
• Integrated Pest Management for Homeowners - Michigan State University
• Managing Pests Around the Home - University of Tennessee Extension

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@oregonstate.edu.