How to know if Pest Control is Right for You!

How to Know if Pest Control is Right for Your Home

At Nest Pest Control, we’re proud to be locals here in the Inland Northwest. We love everything about living here — from snowy, picture-perfect winters to warm summers made for lake days. But we also know that every season brings its own set of challenges… and pests.

For many homeowners, dealing with pests can feel like a never-ending battle. If you’re new to pest control, it’s not always easy to tell if a situation is normal or if it’s time to get professional help. That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide to help you spot signs of trouble, weigh your options, and better understand how expert help can make all the difference in protecting your home.

Spotting the Signs: Do You Have a Pest Problem?

Pests are good at hiding, and sometimes it’s tough to know if what you’re seeing is serious or just a random fluke. Staying alert to the early warning signs is an important part of keeping any home healthy and safe.

While some pests, like rodents and termites, can cause costly damage to your property, others — like spiders or wasps — might trigger allergies or cause stress for those with phobias.

Even brand-new homes aren’t immune. Construction materials can sometimes introduce pests into fresh builds despite the best precautions, like kiln-treating lumber. Non-native pests, like cockroaches, can sneak in during construction or moving.

Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Persistent Sightings

  
  

  One or two bugs might just be bad luck. But if you find yourself reaching for a fly swatter or spray bottle on a regular basis, you could be dealing with a growing infestation.

• Property Damage (Major Red Flag)

  
  

  Wood-boring insects leave clues behind — tiny, hard pellets or piles of dust in corners. Rodents love to chew everything from food containers to electrical wires. If you notice signs like these, it’s time to act quickly.

• Strange Sounds or Smells

  
  

  Mice and rats are notorious for sneaking into quiet spaces, leaving droppings and other messes that can spread disease. If you hear scurrying noises at night or notice unfamiliar odors, don’t ignore them.

Bottom Line: A simple pest inspection is a small investment that could save you thousands in the long run by catching a problem early.

DIY Pest Control: When It Works — and When It Doesn’t

When pests first show up, a lot of homeowners head to the local hardware store to pick up sprays or traps. DIY can work — but it has its limits.

DIY Pros:

• Fast Action

  
  

  If you spot a few ants or spiders, quick action with store-bought products can often take care of the immediate issue.

DIY Cons:

• Surface Solutions Only

  
  

  If pests have built colonies behind walls, under foundations, or in attics, surface treatments won’t solve the problem. Many insects can produce thousands of offspring in a season — and that kind of growth needs more than a quick fix.

Why Professional Pest Control Makes a Big Difference

When you call in certified Pest Control Professionals like Nest, you’re getting more than just stronger products. You’re getting trained experts who know how to identify the root causes and recommend the best solutions for lasting peace of mind.

Professional Pros:

• Expert Knowledge

  
  

  From identifying different pest species to understanding their behaviors, we know how to target problems at the source — not just on the surface.

• Better Tools

  
  

  We use professional-grade treatments and eco-friendly products that aren’t available over the counter, designed for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Professional Cons:

• Higher Upfront Cost

  
  

  While professional services can cost more initially than DIY, they almost always save money in the long run by preventing bigger, costlier problems down the road.

A Smarter Approach: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Pest control today is about more than just “spraying and praying.” That’s why Nest uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) — a smarter, sustainable strategy that looks at the big picture.

IPM focuses on prevention first, and when treatment is necessary, it prioritizes the least-toxic, most effective solutions available. Here’s how it works:

1. Monitoring and Identification

Our licensed inspectors carefully observe your property to understand exactly which pests are present and how serious the situation is. Accurate identification is key to choosing the right solutions.

2. Action Thresholds

Sometimes it’s smarter not to act immediately. Certain pests have a role in the natural ecosystem, and unnecessary treatments can harm beneficial insects or your garden’s health. We strike the right balance to protect both your home and the environment.

3. Prevention First

The best pest problem is the one you never see. We focus on preventative measures — like applying protective barriers around your foundation — to stop pests before they enter your home. We also look for gaps, cracks, or other vulnerabilities and recommend simple repairs.

4. Multiple Strategies

We tailor the best combination of approaches for your home:

• Biological Solutions: Encouraging natural pest predators

• Mechanical Solutions: Setting effective traps or barriers

• Cultural Solutions: Offering tips to make your home less attractive to pests

• Chemical Solutions: Using low-toxicity products carefully and only when truly needed

In Short: Why Homeowners Trust Nest Pest Control

At Nest, we take pest control seriously — not just as a job, but as a science. Every time we visit a home, we bring careful observation, deep knowledge, and effective strategies to protect your family and property from nature’s less-welcome visitors.

Whether you’re ready to finally win the seasonal battle against pests or simply want to maintain your new home for years to come, affordable, eco-friendly pest control solutions are within reach.

Give us a call today for a free consultation and find out how easy it can be to take care of pests before they become a bigger problem. Your home deserves it!