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What is pest control?

Pest control is the work of preventing and managing unwanted pests in a home through measures such as sanitation, repairs and targeted treatment. EPA’s prevention advice targets 3 resources: food, water and shelter. Ask a provider to identify and correct the source of the problem before applying pesticides.

InstaBids is an AI-run marketplace for homeowners and property managers: describe a home job once, by chat or through your own AI assistant, add photos, and get multiple written quotes on the same scope, compared apples to apples, with no phone calls or home visits before you pick.

By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

What this means for your home project

  1. Store food in sealed plastic or glass containers so it is enclosed. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-03.
  2. Before choosing treatment, have the pest identified and the nature and extent of the infestation inspected. Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03.
  3. In your written scope request, ask the provider to identify and correct the source of the pest problem before applying pesticides. Ask the reply to name that source and the proposed correction. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-03.
  4. Write down the product name and EPA registration number for each chemical the provider uses, so you have a record of the products. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-03.
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What pest control job do you need done in your home? Describe it once to start your written scope.

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Can I do my own pest control?

You may be able to handle some pests yourself, but the Illinois Department of Public Health cautions that bees and wasps can be too dangerous and termites need specialized knowledge and equipment. Identify the pest and the extent of the infestation before choosing a method. “In many cases, yes, but only if you are willing to invest the time, effort and expense necessary to gather information and do what’s necessary to solve your pest problems.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03. “Control of some pests, such as bees and wasps, may be too dangerous for you to risk doing yourself.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03. “Other pests, such as termites, require specialized knowledge and equipment, and are best left to professionals.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03.

Are pesticides always necessary to control pests?

No. Illinois public-health guidance says many pests can be managed without pesticides. Trapping, sealing food and reducing moisture are alternatives in some situations. Integrated pest management, or IPM, considers appropriate control options rather than requiring a chemical treatment every time. “There are many pests that can, and should, be managed quite successfully without pesticides.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03. “IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-03. “In other situations, non-toxic methods such as trapping, sealing food and reducing moisture can be used more effectively than pesticides.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03.

Shouldn’t all the baseboards in my home be sprayed?

No. EPA generally recommends targeted locations for pesticides outside baits or traps, rather than whole-room spraying. Illinois guidance points to cracks, crevices and voids where pests spend their time. A proposed treatment should identify its target locations. “Pesticides not contained in baits or traps should generally only be applied to targeted locations, not sprayed over the whole room.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-03. “If pesticides are to be applied, they should be applied to the cracks, crevices and voids where pests spend most of their time.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03.

If I want ongoing, periodic service, what should the service consist of?

Periodic inspections belong in a homeowner service contract, according to EPA. After an infestation is under control, Illinois guidance says most technician time should go toward inspection. That gives you a concrete scope to request instead of assuming every visit needs pesticide application. “Service contracts for the homeowner should include periodic inspections, but pesticides should not be applied unless the pests are actually present and cannot be controlled by other means.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-03. “Once any existing infestations are brought under control, most of your service technician’s time should be spent inspecting for pests, not chatting with you nor applying pesticides where there are no pests.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03.

What pesticides will be applied?

Ask for the proposed products and copies of their labels. Record the product name and EPA registration number for each chemical used. EPA identifies the registration-number labeling requirement in 40 CFR section 156.10(a)(1)(iv); the quoted rule below provides the reference. “Write down the name and EPA registration number of any chemical used by someone you hire.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-03. “40 CFR 156.10(a)(1)(iv) requires the EPA registration number to appear on a pesticide's label.” Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, read 2026-11-03.

How long do you think it will take to solve my pest problems?

The pest and your situation affect treatment time. Illinois guidance distinguishes pests controlled by a single service from others that may take months or longer. Ask for a pest-specific timetable rather than treating one visit as a promise that the problem will be resolved. “That depends on your situation and the type of pest involved.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03. “Some pests can be controlled by a single service.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03. “Others may take months, or even longer.” Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, read 2026-11-03.

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