Know What You're Up Against And Find Solutions

Mice are small rodents, typically light brown or gray. in color with a cream belly. They are creative jumpers and climbers that often build nests in dark and hidden areas, often with insulation from the house. They are curious and nibble on cereals, seeds, nuts, fruits and grains. Infestations can quickly grow out of control as they breed rapidly– a single female can produce up to 35 offspring per year. They also carry diseases (like salmonella), contaminate food with droppings, and can trigger allergies or asthma. Common signs of an infestation include gnaw marks, droppings, urine odors and damaged food containers; a single mouse sighting can indicate that there are more nearby.

Rats are medium-sized rodents that can be black, brown or gray in color. They are extremely active– jumping, climbing, running, swimming– and capable of squeezing through a hole the size of a quarter. These nocturnal animals often nest in basements, rafters, attacks, or piles of debris and eat a wide variety of food like meat, fish, cereal, and even pet food. They enter homes year round to search for water. They pose serious risks by gnawing through property (even pipes), spreading diseases such as salmonella and rat-bite fever, and carrying fleas. Signs of an infestation include capsule-shaped droppings, gnaw marks, and oily or greasy footprints.

Ants are insects that are often black in color, with more than 25 species known to infest homes. They live in large underground colonies led by a queen and come indoors in search of food and moisture. While they will eat almost anything, they are particularly attracted to sweets. They will inflict painful bites that may cause welts. Signs of an infestation include visible mounds or an unpleasant odor when they are disturbed.

Carpenter ants are large black, red, or mixed-colored insects that tunnel through wood to build their nests. They often enter homes through cracks, plumbing, or electrical openings. They prefer softer, damp, or rotting wood damaged by moisture, mold, or fungus. Their bites can be painful due to the formic acid they inject, and over time their excavation can weaken structural wood. Signs of an infestation include small piles of sawdust near wooden areas and a vinegar-like odor when disturbed.

Bed bugs are small brown insects that turn red-brown after feeding, while their nymphs are almost colorless. They hide in beds and fabrics, feeding on humans at night. They spread quickly in places with many people, such as apartments or hotels. Their bites cause itchy red welts. Infestations can be identified by small blood spots on sheets or skin rashes.

Termites are wood-destroying insects that can be recognized by their pincher-like jaws. They chew nonstop through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper, with mature colonies ranging from 60,000 to over two million workers. They swarm  in the spring, and they’re especially attracted to slab homes, which heat up from the earth below. Termites cause massive structural damage, costing an estimated $6.8 billion annually in property repairs. Signs of an infestation include mud tubes on exterior walls, softened or hollow-sounding wood, and bubbling paint.

Cockroaches are reddish-brown, oval-shaped insects that thrive in warm, moist, and dark environments. Often migrating indoors from sewers or drains in search of food, they infest kitchens, pantries, and food prep areas, feeding on anything from decaying scraps to uncovered pet food. They can trigger allergies and asthma—especially in children—and are known to spread over 30 different kinds of bacteria. Signs of an infestation include egg capsules, a strong musty odor, and the sight of roaches running across floors or walls.

Mosquitoes are thin, winged insects with long legs; over 170 species are found in North America. They thrive in warm, wet environments and are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on human blood. Their bites leave behind itchy red welts, and they are known carriers of dangerous blood-borne diseases. Signs of a mosquito problem include buzzing insects and eggs laid on standing water.

Fleas are tiny reddish-brown insects with long legs that feed on the blood of pets and wildlife. These parasites can live up to 100 days and produce as many as 2,000 offspring, so infestations spread quickly. Their bites often leave itchy welts with a halo at the center, and they can transmit diseases to their hosts. Signs of an infestation include pets scratching excessively, hair loss with small bumps, and tiny black specks (flea dirt) in fur or bedding.

Ticks are flat, oval-shaped arachnids that darken as they feed on blood. They hide in grass and shrubs, and latch onto pets, wildlife, or people. They spread quickly, with females capable of laying up to 3,000 eggs. They transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others, and can cause blood disorders. A common sign of a tick bite is a bullseye-shaped mark on the skin.

Spiders are arachnids that come in many colors; over 3,000 species found across North America. They spin webs to trap insects and often move indoors seeking warmth during colder months. While most are harmless, some bites can cause symptoms such as increased blood pressure, sweating, or nausea. Signs of an infestation include visible webs and egg sacs around the home.

Wasps are yellow and black or brown insects. They build nests in the spring, often in porches, ceilings, or attics. Each colony is led by a single queen that lays eggs for the entire group. They will sting aggressively if they feel threatened. Signs of an infestation are most often visible nests or hives around the property.

Raccoons are nocturnal mammals with a distinct black mask. They can damage shingles, wiring, and insulation while spreading diseases like rabies and roundworm. Signs include torn siding, droppings, nesting debris, and raided trash cans.

Squirrels often invade attics in winter, chewing siding, wires, and insulation. They damage heating systems and bird feeders alike. Signs include scurrying in walls, chewed cables, holes in siding, and nests in attics.

Mice and rats are common invaders in shades of brown, gray, or black. They gnaw through wood, wiring, even pipes, and spread diseases. Signs include droppings, urine odors, gnaw marks, damaged food containers, and nests.

Bats are nocturnal fliers, ranging from tan to black. Their droppings can carry fungi causing lung disease, and waste buildup may damage structures. Signs include visible droppings and spotting bats in or around the home.

Striped skunks are known for their foul odor and burrowing. They damage lawns, leave claw marks, and can transmit rabies. Signs include strong skunk odor, tracks, digging, and noises like stomping or chirping when disturbed.

Birds of many kinds can damage buildings and create health risks through droppings that carry pests, like mites and ticks. Signs include nests in gutters or vents, droppings on ledges, and unwanted entry into homes or attics.

Opossums are the only marsupial in North America. They den in attics or garages, damaging ductwork and insulation, and may carry rabies. Signs include messy nests, torn insulation, and direct sightings of the animal.

Groundhogs, or woodchucks, dig extensive burrows that damage gardens, crops, and even building foundations. They can carry ticks and rabies. Signs include gnawed wires, holes in lawns, and damaged gardens or crops.

White-tailed deer can devastate crops, trees, and landscaping. They spread ticks linked to Lyme disease and cause vehicle collisions. Signs include hoof tracks, eating plants, and seeing deer moving through your property.

Coyotes resemble small shepherd dogs with bushy tails. They prey on pets and livestock, which can pose risks in suburban areas. Signs include frequent howling, sightings near homes, as their hunting behavior is in pairs or groups.

Flying squirrels glide rather than fly, often nesting in attics. They cause odors, insulation damage, and sleepless nights with nocturnal activity. Signs include droppings, gnaw marks, and scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings.

Canada geese are black and tan with white cheek patches. They can be aggressive near nests. Their droppings create slip hazards and health concerns. Signs include green tubular droppings, large flocks, and tracks in soil or sand.