In part 1 of this series we discussed infestations involving mice and rats ants, and roaches. It is important to know at what point to call a professional for health and safety reasons, for the structural security of your home, and for your own peace of mind.

Spiders

Spiders are quiet, they typically stay out of the way and keep other pests out of your home. However, some spiders are venomous and some people can have serious allergic reactions to spider bites. The thing about spiders is that you usually don’t know you have a spider infestation until it is in full swing. If you see one or two spiders in your home that is one thing, but if you see them crawling out of air vents or other areas, particularly crawl spaces, or you see evidence of them (webs) it is probably time to call an exterminator. Cobwebs, however, are abandoned spider webs. If you see a cobweb it means a spider was there at one point but has since moved on.

Look in your attic, basement, and unused rooms for high spider activity. If notice a lot of spiders, especially if they are crawling in your home, then you should get a pro out to take care of it. One of the maid problems with spiders is the rate at which they multiply. Some spider can lay hundreds of eggs which means hundreds of baby spiders in your home.

Scorpions

Scorpions are outside pests so if you see one inside you could have a problem. They are very resilient and require very aggressive pest control. When the United States was doing nuclear testing, lizards, cockroaches, and scorpions were found at the site (near ground zero) and did not seem to suffer any adverse effects. Often the pest control technician will work with the homeowner in a sort of tag team to control a scorpion infestation. According to experts though, once scorpions move into an area it is very difficult to get rid of them. Our advice is if you see one in your home get a professional out there to start on a treatment plan.

Stinging insects

If you have problems with bees, wasps, yellow jackets, or other stinging insects, you should get a pest professional to handle it. A professional is trained in treating these types of insects and it is much safer if you allow them to do it. Infestation warning to look out for include swarming, hives, increased activity, and if you see them in your home. Some bees and wasps will make their nests in a house’s wood structure. If you see several bees or wasps flying around, especially if they are in your home, you may need to get an exterminator out.

Termites

Your best bet with termites is to get a termite plan that includes routinely inspecting for termites and treating them if a problem is detected. Infestations can look different depending on the type of termites. Look for swarmers, areas on walls and the ceiling that look water damaged, sagging walls or ceilings, swarmer wings on the floor (look like fish scales), small mud tunnels near the foundation, all of these indicate a termite infestation. Truth is, though, in the case of Formosan termites, by the time you see evidence you could have already incurred significant damage to your home. Subterranean termites have smaller colonies and are not as damaging but can still be fairly destructive.

The best time to call a professional about a termite infestation is before you have them. Prevention is the best course of action in this case.

The best advice regarding when to call a pest exterminator relies on you. You know your home and family best. You know what is normal in your home and when things just feel off. Bottom line, if it has crossed your mind to call an exterminator, then you should probably do it.

Have you had a time when you called an exterminator because you had a feeling and were very glad you did? Tell us about it in the comments!