Got ants? Termites? Rats in the attic? Cockroaches in the kitchen? How about bed bugs? It’s tempting to try to crush the invasion yourself, either with household ingredients or commercial baits, and the DIY approach can only work if you’ve got a small infestation and you catch the problem early enough to remedy it. But how do you know when to put down the boric acid and seek professional help? Below are a few simple indicators that you and your home could benefit from the services of an exterminator.

If at First, You Don’t Succeed

You’ve done the research, tried all the home remedies, and the bugs keep coming back. Are you ready to take back your home from these invaders for good? Pests are adaptable, which is why many home solutions are likely to only be a temporary remedy. You could seek out new methods, redouble your efforts, and keep up a 24-hour vigil to pick off these home invaders one by one. Or you could pick up the phone and make an appointment with your local exterminator. A pest control professional can diagnose the problem, offer a free estimate, discuss options, and guarantee the end of your invasion.

It’s not failure or defeat to hand the fight over to an exterminator; it’s simply common sense and effective issue management. The bugs are not engaged in a battle of wills with you; they are simply annexing new territory, so bring in the big guns. Worried about the expense? The stuff you’re buying at the garden store is cheaper at first, but over time it adds up, along with your frustration and any damage the pests might be causing. Over the long term it’s often more cost-effective to hire the exterminator and indulge your warrior spirit in a game of laser tag instead.

Safety First

Some pests, such as ants, you can take on with limited risk. Others such as wasps, rats, and spiders can cause serious harm, especially if you have young children or small pets in your home. Don’t mess around with swarming insects or creatures with venom or viruses that can put you in the emergency room. You also don’t want to endanger the structure and value of your house by attempting DIY termite removal. Modern pest control methods use substances that are not harmful to humans or domestic animals, and they are often healthier than what’s available on the shelves at the hardware store. An exterminator can remove the dangerous pests safely the first time and keep them away so your family can enjoy your home and yard in comfort—and save the scary wildlife encounters for movie night.

Peace of Mind

Professional pest services often offer free estimates and warranties. If you find yourself spending a little more time and money on your pest problem than you’d like, or if your busy life doesn’t give you the time or energy to tackle bugs yourself, there is someone who can take care of everything for you, worry-free. Your exterminator can even set up a maintenance schedule so the pests don’t come back. Time is money, and confidence that the problem will be solved efficiently and permanently can be worth more than both of these things.

Worried about the hassle of setting up appointments and vacating your house? Your pest control service will work with you to find the most convenient times for visits, and many pest problems can be solved with you and your family in the home.

Bottom line: this is your home, where your family lives and where you entertain friends and loved ones. Pests are making it uninhabitable. If you’ve tried to take care of the problem yourself and the bugs keep coming back, or you worry about the health and comfort of your family, or you simply do not have the time to deal with the problem on your own, you’re ready to bring in the pros. Your local pest control company has long-term experience with the exact insects or vermin that are plaguing you. They also have access to the tools that work best and cause minimal harm to people, pets, and the environment. If you’re even thinking about making the call, it’s probably time to do so.