# What Pest Do I Have? Free Illinois Pest Checker | Illinois Pest Control > What pest do I have? Pick what you are seeing (droppings, swarmers, bites, mud tubes, roaches) and get the likely pest, safe next steps, and the right service. URL: https://illinoispestcontrol.us/what-pest-do-i-have/ Interactive tool: pick a household pest sign to see the likely pest, why, safe first steps, and the service to ask for. Sources: IDPH, University of Illinois Extension, EPA. General guidance, not a diagnosis; no pesticide instructions. ## Small dark droppings in drawers, cabinets, or along walls **Likely pest:** Mice (or rats, if droppings are larger) IDPH lists droppings, fresh gnawing, and tracks as the signs of where mice are active. 1. Store food and pet food in sealed containers 2. Note every room where you find droppings 3. Don't sweep or vacuum droppings dry or touch them bare-handed 4. Look for gaps around pipes, vents, and doors Ask for: Rodent Control ## Scratching or scurrying in walls or ceilings at night **Likely pest:** Mice or rats; sometimes squirrels or other wildlife in attics Rodents are mostly active at night. Larger animals in attics are wildlife, a different specialty. 1. Note when and where you hear it 2. Check for droppings in the attic or basement only if it's safe to look 3. Don't try to handle wildlife yourself Ask for: Rodent Control ## Winged insects swarming indoors, often in spring **Likely pest:** Termite swarmers or flying ants Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist, and equal-length wings; flying ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and longer front wings. 1. Save a few in a sealed bag or take photos 2. Don't spray them; it can make an inspection harder 3. Check window sills for discarded wings Ask for: Termite Control ## Pencil-width mud tubes on the foundation **Likely pest:** Subterranean termites University of Illinois Extension says the eastern subterranean termite travels through soil and mud tubes and recommends scouting the foundation for them. 1. Photograph the tubes; don't break them open 2. Pull mulch and soil back from the foundation 3. Get a professional inspection Ask for: Termite Control ## Bites, blood spots, or dark specks on sheets or mattress seams **Likely pest:** Possible bed bugs IDPH lists blood smears, fecal specks, and amber shed skins on bedding and mattresses as signs of bed bugs. Bites alone aren't proof. 1. Wash bedding and dry it on high heat for 20+ minutes (IDPH) 2. Don't move to another bed or room 3. Collect a suspected bug on clear tape 4. If you rent, tell your landlord in writing Ask for: Bed Bug Treatment ## Roaches scattering in the kitchen when the light comes on **Likely pest:** German cockroaches (most likely) IDPH calls the German cockroach by far the most common kitchen roach; it hides in cracks near food and water. 1. Clean up food and grease; don't leave dishes out overnight 2. Fix leaks under sinks 3. Avoid spraying repellents where a provider may bait Ask for: Cockroach Control ## A trail of small ants across the counter or floor **Likely pest:** Odorous house or pavement ants University of Illinois Extension lists these among the most common Illinois ants. The ants you see are foragers from a hidden colony. 1. Wipe the trail and clean up the food source 2. Store sweets and pet food sealed 3. Seal cracks where they enter 4. Call if they keep coming back Ask for: Ant Control ## Large black ants indoors, or sawdust-like shavings near wood **Likely pest:** Possible carpenter ants Extension says carpenter ants don't eat wood but hollow it for nests and are drawn to moisture: basements, sump areas, and leaking pipes. 1. Look for moisture or leaks near where you see them 2. Save a sample or photo 3. Get the nest located and the moisture source fixed Ask for: Ant Control ## Spiders or crickets in the basement or garage **Likely pest:** Spiders and occasional invaders Spiders follow the insects they eat; basements and garages collect both, especially as the weather cools. 1. Reduce clutter and cardboard 2. Seal gaps at doors and windows 3. Reduce moisture with a dehumidifier 4. Call if there are many, or you're unsure what they are Ask for: General Pest Control ## A wasp or hornet nest near a door, deck, or play area **Likely pest:** Wasps or hornets Nests near doors and play areas put people at risk of stings, especially anyone allergic. 1. Keep people and pets away from the nest 2. Don't knock down or seal the nest yourself 3. If someone has a severe reaction to a sting, call 911 Ask for: General Pest Control ## Bugs clustering on sunny walls in fall and getting inside **Likely pest:** Overwintering insects like boxelder bugs or stink bugs These insects look for sheltered spots to spend the winter and slip in through gaps around windows, siding, and vents. 1. Seal gaps around windows, siding, and vents before fall 2. Vacuum up the ones that get inside 3. Call if they're coming in by the hundreds Ask for: General Pest Control Referral disclosure: Illinois Pest Control is an independent contractor-referral service. We help connect Illinois homeowners and property owners with participating pest control professionals. Services are performed by independent providers. We may receive compensation for qualified referrals. Phone: (217) 626-5123.