When DIY works—and when it doesn’t
A small, newly noticed problem can sometimes be handled with sanitation, food storage, moisture control and sealing obvious gaps. The key is knowing when the visible pest is only the surface of a larger colony or entry problem.
DIY may be reasonable
- A few ants with a clear food or moisture source
- One accessible, inactive wasp nest in a low-risk location
- Preventive sealing before there are signs of nesting
- Monitoring after the source has been removed
Call a professional
- Bed bugs, termites, cockroaches or repeat rodent activity
- Droppings, chewed wiring, structural damage or attic noise
- Stinging insects in walls, roofs or high-traffic areas
- Any raccoon, squirrel or skunk removal from a structure
What changes the price
Two homes with the same pest can receive very different quotes. Ask each company to separate treatment from prevention and repair so the bids are genuinely comparable.
- Pest species and nest location
- Number of rooms or entry points
- Severity and duration
- Access to attics, crawl spaces or walls
- Chemical, bait, heat or exclusion method
- Required preparation and cleanup
- Follow-up visits and warranty terms
- Emergency, weekend or after-hours service
Ontario wildlife and licensing note
Raccoons, squirrels and skunks are wildlife, not ordinary household insects. Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and regulations govern protection-of-property work, capture, humane release and who may act as an agent for the landowner.
For wildlife work, the quote should spell out one-way doors, entry-point sealing, dependent young, roof access, cleanup and repairs. A low removal price that leaves the opening unsealed may not solve the cause.