Buggsy shows you what a real pest control operator would do for a given pest — but every product has its own rules, and following them is both the law and the difference between a safe treatment and a bad day. Read this before you treat anything.
The label is the law
In the United States, a pesticide's label is a legally enforceable document. It's not a suggestion — using a product in a way that contradicts its label (wrong surfaces, wrong dilution, wrong location, wrong frequency) is illegal regardless of what any guide, including ours, describes in general terms. Always read the full label before you buy and again before you apply, and follow it exactly.
Protect yourself
- Wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) the label calls for — commonly gloves and eye protection, sometimes a respirator for certain dusts or fumigants.
- Work in ventilated areas when applying indoors.
- Wash your hands and any exposed skin after handling any pesticide product.
- Never mix products together unless a label explicitly says it's safe to do so.
Protect kids, pets, and food
- Keep children and pets out of the treatment area for as long as the label specifies.
- Never apply near food-contact surfaces, dishes, or food-prep areas unless the label specifically allows it.
- Store all pest control products in their original containers, out of reach of children, and away from food storage.
Know your local restrictions
Some products are restricted-use, meaning they legally require a pesticide applicator license to purchase or apply. Some states and municipalities further restrict which products can be used outdoors, near waterways, or in certain residential settings. It's your responsibility to confirm a product is legal to use in your location before you buy or apply it.
When it's not a DIY job
Some situations call for a licensed professional regardless of how simple a guide makes them sound — active termite damage, large or hard-to-reach nests, severe or recurring infestations, anything requiring a structural treatment (like drilling or tenting), and any pest that poses a real safety risk to access (attics, crawlspaces, high eaves). Every pest page on Buggsy carries a DIY-vs-Pro rating for this reason — when it says Pro Recommended or Pro Required, take that seriously.
Not sure which category your situation falls into, or already past the point of a simple fix? Find a trusted pest pro near you.
This is general guidance, not a substitute for the label
Nothing on this page or anywhere else on Buggsy overrides the specific instructions on the product you actually bought. If anything here conflicts with a product's label, the label wins. See our Terms of Service for how liability for DIY treatment works.