6 signs it’s time to call professional pest controls in – and how to pick a great one

Household pests are a common problem, one that many of us try to tackle ourselves, yet while DIY methods often work well, it’s important you know when to admit defeat – as well as causing damage to your home, those pesky pests have the potential to pass on some nasty diseases, too.

So when is the right time to call in the pros? According to our experienced exterminators, sooner than you might think. While most of us wait to see roaches and rats before we make the call, there’s earlier – albeit more subtle – indicators we should be acting upon.

Noticing and identifying indoor pests early can save you the stress and expense of dealing with a full-blown infestation, and gives you time to find a decent exterminator, too. Below, our experts share the warning signs, and what to do when you spot them.

What are the signs it’s time to call in pest control pros? 

1. You spot droppings and/or gnaw marks

They may be tiny, but droppings are noticeable if you look hard enough. Check in out-of-the-way places (pests like to avoid us as much as we like to avoid them) such as attics, basements, cabinet corners and the back of a pantry.

If you spot something, take a closer look. Gross, we know, but by examining the droppings you can get an idea of the pest you’re up against; helpful to know when tracking down a decent exterminator.

Having worked in the industry for over 30 years, Certified entomologist Scot Hodges, Vice President of Professional Development and Technical Services at Arrow Exterminators, is well-placed to explain why:

‘Some control efforts – particularly bedbugs, termites, rodents and other wood-destroying organisms – demand a certain level of of expertise, including knowledge of the pest’s biology, appropriate treatment and equipment and the correct application techniques. You want a professional that’s trained in this area in order to ensure an efficient result’.

As well as droppings, keep your eyes peeled for other identification clues. Gnaw or scratch marks are a solid indication you need to get rid of mice and rats, while bits of dried-up wing or skin suggest something insect-y. Make a note of where they are, too, it’ll help your professional to identify entry points.

‘Treatments should specifically target access points and harborage areas’, says Scot. ‘Techniques may differ, but it is generally recommended to consider a company that employs Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. These include a detailed inspection, pest identification, source identification, and recommendations to eliminate access, food, water, and harborage, thereby reducing the reliance on and the amount of materials needed’, says Scot.

2. You’re dealing with damage

Any pest has the potential to cause damage to your home, but there’s certain species that can cause significant problems if left to wreak havoc. Termites, carpenter ants and rodents in particular are bad news. If you notice wood shavings, frayed wires, tiny holes in the wall or in upholstery and/or clothing, you’ll need to act fast, warns pest control expert Richard Christner, co-founder of Whitmore Pest and Wildlife Control Inc.

‘Raccoons and squirrels can also cause significant damage, particularly in attics and crawl spaces. They’re known to tear up insulation, which reduces your home’s energy efficiency (leading to higher utility bills) and potentially causes costly premature roof failure’.

Underestimating what you’re dealing with is one of the biggest pest control mistakes you can make, so if you notice any of these signs, however small, make the call – don’t waste time trying to tackle the problem yourself. The longer you leave it, the worse it’ll get, and you’ll end up paying more in damage repairs than you would have done for a pest control pro in the first instance.

‘If professional intervention is necessary, choose a pest control company that offers comprehensive services including repair options, or refer to reliable contractors', Richard adds.

3 You notice strange smells and sounds around the house

Our homes can play host to some dodgy odors from time to time – think lingering trash and questionable cooking smells – but if you’re nose is telling you there’s something not quite right, it’s worth considering pests as a potential source.

‘Rodents, insects, and other pests can leave behind strong, musty smells due to their droppings, urine, or even carcasses. If you notice a foul odor that doesn’t seem to have a clear source, it’s wise to have a professional inspect your home’, says Richard.

Even more of a tell-tale sign is hearing strange sounds, particularly at night. Scratching, queaking, scuttling and whining are usually pretty obvious, but tune your ears into crackling, whirring and tapping noises, too; these are typical indicators of termites, ants and wasp nests.

4. DIY solutions just aren’t cutting it

They don’t call them pests for nothing – if you’ve tried every trick in the book and they’re still coming back, it’s time to admit defeat.

‘When attempting to control pests yourself, remember that professionals are trained in pest biology and the safe and proper use of pest control materials. Some pests are more persistent than others, too – they require a level of expertise that goes beyond that of the average DIY’er’, says Scot.

Take getting rid of bed bugs for example. Steam cleaners, baking soda and using a Utopia bedding zippered mattress encasement, available at Amazon, are all good deterrents, but they reproduce at a rapid pace. If even one lonely bed bug evades your DIY attempts (pest control experts warn against using essential oils for bed bug infestations, FYI), it’s enough to start infestation number two. If you want to prevent them for good, call in the pros.

5. You can see the pests themselves

While the occasional spider is usually nothing to worry about, Garrett Thrasher, co-owner and general manager at Thrasher Termite and Pest Control of So Cal, Inc., says spotting more serious pests is a cause for concern. ‘By the time you notice the pests themselves, they’ve gained a foothold, particularly if you’re noticing them in more than one room or if they’ve hung around longer than a week – they’re running out of places to hide’, he explains.

Natural repellents are extremely unlikely to work at this point – they lack the potency to eliminate a full-on invasion – and according to Garrett, you’re better off calling in the pros rather than reaching for a can of toxic bug spray anyway. ‘Pros apply the correct materials in the correct amounts in the perfect location to take care of pests. They also dispose of waste properly and have effective eco-friendly treatments, just ask’.

6. You’ve got unexplained health problems

‘If you or your family members are experiencing unexplained allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or skin irritations, pests could be the underlying cause’, warns Richard. ‘Dust mites, cockroaches, and rodents are known to trigger allergies; a professional can help identify the pest responsible and take steps to prevent it’. Look out for bites, too.

7. It’s causing you stress

Does a pest infestation mean you have a dirty home? No, but that doesn’t make you feel any less embarrassed about the problem. Or fearful. Or anxious. In fact the presence of pests can instil all sorts of negative emotions and feelings, none of which you should have to live with.

‘If the presence of pests is disrupting your daily life, it’s a sign that it’s time to get help. Living with pests can be stressful, and a professional can quickly and efficiently handle the situation, giving you peace of mind', says pest control pro, Dalya Harel, founder of Lice Busters.

How do you choose a reliable pest control company?

So you’ve spotted the signs, but how do you go about finding – and choosing – a reliable exterminator? Google is a good place to start, but be wary of selecting the first company you see – check the reviews.

‘Word-of-mouth reviews and referrals are invaluable, as they come from trusted sources who have firsthand experience with the provider. If a company has consistently positive reviews and satisfied customers, it’s a good indicator of their reliability and effectiveness, ‘says Richard.

This should give you a good indication of reputable exterminators in your local area, but don’t commit yet – check they have the proper licenses, certifications and insurance first. This guarantees they meet industry standards and protects you in case of accidents or damages. Most will put this information on their websites, but it’s worth giving them a call to ensure due diligence.

‘You may find you develop a greater connection with one service provider over another when speaking on the phone or in person’, says Brandon.

It also gives you the opportunity to ask a few more questions. ‘Ask them to describe their experience with the specific pest you’re dealing with. Are they confident they can assist you? A reputable company will be transparent and willing to explain their process, highlighting any potential safety risks to you, your family and your pets’.

Richard agrees, and outlines a few green flags to look out for. ‘Membership to professional organizations, such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) can be an indicator

of a reputable exterminator. These organizations require members to adhere to a code of ethics and stay informed about industry best practices. Ask if they offer warranties or follow-up services – A top-quality company will always stand by their work’.

All our experts recommended contacting at least two or three companies before making a decision. ‘This ensures that prices are competitive and that treatment methods align with industry standards. Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with the company you choose’, concludes Scot.

Which pest control method is best?

Exterminators use a range of techniques which can usually be divided into three methods of pest control: physical, chemical and biological. The ‘best’ one depends on the context of the situation – what type of pest you’re treating and what your preferences are.

Ask professionals about the products they use, their approach to different types of pests, and their stance on eco-friendly options if that’s important to you’ It’s also worth asking if they follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach; this emphasizes long-term prevention and minimizes the use of chemicals, focusing on the root cause of the problem’, says Richard.

Spot these signs and you’ve likely got a pretty serious infestation on your hands, so it’s essential you get the pros in as quickly as possible. However, there are a few natural pest control methods you can use in the interim, either for smaller outbreaks or as a means of prevention. A proactive approach can help catch issues early before they escalate.

Know that different pests are more prevalent during certain times of the year, too – these are the common pests to watch out and protect your home from in fall, for example.