Could you have a pest infestation?
It’s a question that every homeowner dreads.
The truth is that the vast majority of homeowners wait way too long before they call the professionals. And by the time they finally do, what was a minor problem becomes a very expensive one to fix.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at 9 major warning signs that it’s time to call the pest control professionals. Understanding the signs that you need pest control services could save you thousands of dollars in property damage and keep your family from getting sick.
Here’s the thing: Pest control is big business.
The pest control industry in the United States hit $26.1 billion in 2025, and it’s only expected to grow from there. That kind of growth is only possible with the consent of the American homeowner. Pest infestations are a serious problem and a big concern for most homeowners.
The list below includes the most important warning signs that you need to call a professional pest control service.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The Most Obvious Signs Of A Pest Problem
- When DIY Methods No Longer Work
- Property Damage That Indicates “Professional Help”
- Health Risks You Should Never Ignore
The Most Obvious Signs Of A Pest Problem
One or two pests crawling around in your home isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm.
The problem is most people don’t know this…
That one cockroach or mouse was probably just the tip of the iceberg. When you’re dealing with a serious infestation, the small percentage of pests that you see is only a tiny fraction of the actual problem.
When it comes to pest control services like Fox pest control Spokane WA, the old adage “time is of the essence” could not be more true. The sooner you act, the easier and cheaper it is to address the problem.
You’re Seeing Pests During The Day
If you’re seeing rodents, cockroaches, or other pests during the day, that’s a bad sign. Most pests are nocturnal, which means they hide during the day and come out at night when you’re asleep.
If you’re seeing them during the day, the infestation is massive, and they’re running out of places to hide. This is a major red flag that it’s time to call the professionals.
Pest Sightings Are Becoming More Frequent
It was just that one ant a few weeks ago.
It’s several ants today, and you’re seeing them every single day.
The more often you see them, the more likely it is that the infestation is growing and you need pest control services. A full-blown colony can easily grow into the thousands in a very short time, and the infestation will just keep getting worse without professional treatment.
You’re Finding Pests In Multiple Rooms
Seeing pests in the kitchen is bad news.
Seeing pests in the kitchen, bathroom, AND living room is very bad news indeed. If pests are making their way throughout your home, you no longer have a “minor” problem that you can handle on your own. It’s time to call in the professionals.
When DIY Methods Stop Working
Here’s a secret that most homeowners don’t realize…
DIY pest control products you buy at the store are rarely effective against more than a tiny fraction of the total infestation. Most over-the-counter products will only kill a handful of pests.
The Traps Aren’t Working Anymore
If you’re setting out traps but still seeing pests, that means 2 things:
- The infestation is much larger than you thought.
- The pests have discovered better sources of food in your home.
Professional pest control companies have access to commercial-grade products and services that can actually eliminate entire colonies. They also use specialized methods that get to the root of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms.
Pests Keep Coming Back
If you’re killing some ants only to see more of them reappear a few days later, that’s a sign that your DIY methods aren’t working. In order to stay healthy, pests leave chemical trails behind them that tell the rest of the colony where food and water are located.
Unless you use professional-grade treatment that eliminates those trails and the nest itself, you’ll be stuck in a constant battle with no end in sight.
Property Damage That Screams “Professional Help”
Pests are more than just annoying. Some pests will actively go out of their way to cause damage to your home.
Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage in the United States each year. Five billion dollars. Every single year. You read that right.
Unexplained Structural Damage
Do any of the following sound familiar?
- Tapping on wood makes a hollow sound
- Floors or ceilings are sagging
- You can see visible holes in the drywall
- Wood near windows or doors is crumbling away
- Paint is peeling like there’s water damage
These are all classic signs of termite damage or carpenter ant damage. By the time you notice these issues, it’s likely that the infestation has been active for months or even years.
Chewed Wires And Insulation
Rodents have teeth that never stop growing. To keep them at a manageable size, they have to gnaw on something constantly. Preferably something like the electrical wires and insulation in your home.
That’s not just annoying. Chewed-up electrical wires are a major fire hazard that can put your entire family at risk. Professional pest control can find all the entry points and remove the rodent problem before more damage is done.
Damaged Food Packaging
Have you ever seen tiny little holes in a cereal box or pasta bag? Gnaw marks on a fruit or vegetable?
Anytime you find pests are chewing on food packaging, that means they’ve got access to your pantry, and that’s never a good thing. Pests are smart and they’ll remember where the food is located. Once they’ve got a reliable source of food, they’ll come back again and again…and bring their friends.
Health Risks You Can’t Ignore
Pests are one thing when they’re outside, but when they’re in your home, they’re not just gross. They’re dangerous.
Unexplained Allergies Or Respiratory Issues
Cockroaches, dust mites, and rodents all produce allergens that can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues.
If you or family members have recently been experiencing unexplained allergies, worsening asthma, skin irritations, or respiratory problems, it could be due to pests. Professional pest control services will get rid of the allergen source and provide your family with a healthier environment to live in.
Finding Droppings Around Your Home
Droppings from pests are more than just gross. They’re biohazards.
Rodent droppings can carry hantavirus, salmonella, and other deadly pathogens. Cockroach droppings are known to cause severe allergic reactions. Finding any kind of droppings is a clear indication that you need pest control services right now.
Strange Sounds And Smells
Before you even see pests in your home, your senses can tell you there’s a problem.
Scratching Or Scurrying Sounds
Are you hearing noises in the walls or the ceiling at night?
Rodents and larger pests often create scratching and scurrying sounds as they move around your home. You’ll typically only notice these at night when pests are most active. If you hear these kinds of sounds on a regular basis, the infestation is serious enough that you need professional help.
Unusual Odors
Different pests create different odors. Rodents typically create an ammonia-like smell from their urine. Cockroaches tend to have a musty, oily smell. Dead pests that get trapped in walls smell exactly as bad as you’d expect.
Strange, persistent odors in your home that you can’t explain are almost always related to pest activity.
Wrapping This Up
If you’re a homeowner, you should know the signs that it’s time to call professional pest control services.
They’re pretty obvious:
- Frequent pest sightings, especially during the day
- DIY methods that are no longer working
- Structural damage to your property
- Health issues that are caused by pest allergens
- Strange sounds and smells throughout your home
Here’s the bottom line…
Don’t wait until a small, manageable problem turns into a giant mess. The moment you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to call in the professionals. Pest control early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and keep your family safe.
