It's happened to the best of us. You're unwinding after a long day at work on the couch, cozied up with a glass of wine and feeling utterly relaxed when suddenly a gross spider or centipede scurries across your coffee table. Gone is that feeling of relaxation, replaced with formication and unease.

While some earthy types might be okay sharing their home with pests, the majority of us want them out. If you're in a situation where pests are disturbing your sense of ease and contentment in your home, then ask yourself these three questions before taking action.

Is It Something I'm Doing?

Most pests will take up residence in your home regardless of your housekeeping skills. However, there are some situations where to be put it bluntly, it might be your fault. For example, unswept hardwood floors and dusty ceilings can create a paradise for some types of spiders. Messy kitchens where food particles are allowed to accumulate can create a paradise for ants and roaches. The best first step is a day of hardcore cleaning in your home. While not guaranteed to get rid of your pests, it might help.

Is It Fleeting?

There are some periods throughout the year where we see an increase of spiders and centipedes, such as late spring and early fall. This coincides with their mating habits. Some infestations are in fact fleeting and will go away on their own. However, if you've been repeatedly seeing pests for longer than two months, you might need to take action.

Can I Eradicate Them On My Own In A Safe Way?

The short answer to this is "no." There are lots of commercial insecticides available at home supply and hardware stores, but most professionals dislike them for two reasons. First, they're generally not as effective as the chemicals used by the pros, sometimes rendering them a complete waste of time. Second, the average person doesn't take precautions for safety, such as wearing a mask and removing pets from the area. Eradicating insects is generally a job that is best left to the professionals like those at Allstate Pest Control, especially if you want those pests gone for good.

After you've considered these things, you'll be able to make a decision about how you want to deal with your pest problem. No one wants to share their home with creepy unwanted guests, but thankfully, there are steps you can take to solve the problem.