When to Call a Pest Control Company: 8 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Pests are more than just a nuisance—they can damage your home, pose health risks, and cost you a lot in repairs if not addressed early. While spotting a stray bug now and then is normal, repeated sightings or hidden warning signs usually indicate a larger issue beneath the surface. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to call in a professional, here are eight clear signs that it’s time to contact a pest control company.
1. You Keep Seeing the Same Pests Again and Again
An occasional bug isn’t a cause for alarm, but repeated sightings of the same type of pest—like ants in the kitchen, cockroaches in the bathroom, or spiders across multiple rooms—suggest there’s an active infestation.
Persistent pests are often a sign that:
There’s a hidden nest or colony nearby
Food, water, or shelter is available in your home
DIY methods aren't getting to the root of the problem
When you find yourself using store-bought sprays and traps over and over with no lasting results, it’s time to call a pest control professional. They can pinpoint the source of the infestation and apply treatments designed to fully eliminate the problem—not just manage it temporarily.
2. You’re Finding Droppings, Damage, or Nesting Materials
Pests tend to leave behind clues—often long before you actually see them. Here’s what to look for:
Droppings: Rodents leave small pellets, while roaches leave black specks.
Chew marks: These may appear on food packaging, furniture, wires, or baseboards.
Shredded paper or fabric: These are often used by rodents or birds to build nests.
Hollow-sounding wood: This could indicate termites or carpenter ants.
Unusual odors: A musty, oily, or ammonia-like smell might signal a hidden pest problem.
If you notice any of these signs, a thorough inspection by a pest control expert is essential to determine the extent of the infestation.
3. You Hear Noises in the Walls or Ceiling
Do you hear scratching, rustling, or gnawing sounds—especially at night? These noises can be caused by rodents, squirrels, raccoons, or other wildlife taking shelter in your attic or inside the walls.
These pests can:
Chew through wires, insulation, and wood
Create fire hazards by damaging electrical systems
Spread diseases through droppings and urine
Ignoring these sounds could lead to serious damage and higher repair costs down the line. If you’re hearing movement or strange sounds, don’t wait—call a professional right away.
4. You See Pest Activity During the Day
Most pests are nocturnal, meaning they hide during the day and come out at night. If you’re spotting cockroaches, rodents, or other pests in broad daylight, it’s a strong indication that:
The infestation has grown large
They’re competing for limited resources
Your home is providing a safe haven for breeding
Daytime activity is a red flag. It’s a clear sign that your pest problem is advanced and requires immediate professional intervention.
5. You’ve Tried DIY Solutions Without Long-Term Results
DIY pest control products—like sprays, traps, and baits—can sometimes provide short-term relief, but they rarely eliminate an entire infestation. Many homeowners find themselves stuck in a cycle of treating the symptoms without resolving the root cause.
DIY efforts often fail because:
The wrong product is used for the pest species
Treatments aren’t reaching the nest or breeding sites
The infestation is too widespread
Pests have developed resistance to common chemicals
A licensed pest control company has the tools, training, and experience to eliminate pests effectively and safely.
6. You’re Concerned About Health Risks
Pests aren’t just unpleasant—they can pose serious health threats, especially in homes with children, seniors, or pets. If you suspect or confirm any of the following pests, professional help is strongly recommended:
Rodents: Known to carry diseases like salmonella and hantavirus
Cockroaches: Trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children
Mosquitoes and ticks: Transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile virus
Bed bugs: Cause skin irritation, sleep disruption, and anxiety
Health-related pest concerns should never be taken lightly. A pest control company can ensure your home remains a safe environment.
7. You’re Moving In or Out of a Home
Buying or selling a home is the perfect time to schedule a pest inspection. Even if everything looks clean on the surface, pests often go unnoticed during standard real estate walk-throughs.
Professional pest control can:
Uncover hidden infestations before closing a deal
Prevent bringing pests with you to a new home
Help property managers maintain pest-free rentals
Being proactive now can save you from surprise problems later.
8. You Live in a High-Risk Area
Certain locations are more prone to pest issues. If you live in:
A wooded area (common for termites, squirrels, and ants)
An urban environment (hotspot for rats, roaches, and pigeons)
A warm, humid climate (ideal for mosquitoes, fleas, and mold-loving pests)
Near water (attracts mosquitoes and wildlife)
Then regular pest control services might be necessary to stay ahead of potential infestations. Experts can create a prevention plan tailored to your environment.
Final Thoughts
So how do you know it’s time to call a pest control company?
If you’re seeing pests repeatedly, hearing noises in the walls, spotting damage, or struggling with DIY fixes—it’s time to bring in the professionals.
Pest control experts do more than remove the bugs you see—they uncover the ones you don’t and apply long-term solutions to protect your home. Acting early can help prevent a small pest issue from turning into a major (and expensive) headache.
Don’t wait for it to get worse.
Call a pest control company today and take back control of your home.
