What pest do I have?

Likely pest

Mice (or rats, if droppings are larger)

A professional inspection is a good idea

IDPH lists droppings, fresh gnawing, and tracks as the signs of where mice are active.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

Mice or rats; sometimes squirrels or other wildlife in attics

A professional inspection is a good idea

Rodents are mostly active at night. Larger animals in attics are wildlife, a different specialty.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

Termite swarmers or flying ants

A professional inspection is a good idea

Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist, and equal-length wings; flying ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and longer front wings.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

Subterranean termites

A professional inspection is a good idea

University of Illinois Extension says the eastern subterranean termite travels through soil and mud tubes and recommends scouting the foundation for them.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

Possible bed bugs

A professional inspection is a good idea

IDPH lists blood smears, fecal specks, and amber shed skins on bedding and mattresses as signs of bed bugs. Bites alone aren't proof.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

German cockroaches (most likely)

A professional inspection is a good idea

IDPH calls the German cockroach by far the most common kitchen roach; it hides in cracks near food and water.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

Odorous house or pavement ants

Start with prevention; call if it continues

University of Illinois Extension lists these among the most common Illinois ants. The ants you see are foragers from a hidden colony.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

Possible carpenter ants

A professional inspection is a good idea

Extension says carpenter ants don't eat wood but hollow it for nests and are drawn to moisture: basements, sump areas, and leaking pipes.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

Spiders and occasional invaders

Start with prevention; call if it continues

Spiders follow the insects they eat; basements and garages collect both, especially as the weather cools.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

Wasps or hornets

A professional inspection is a good idea

Nests near doors and play areas put people at risk of stings, especially anyone allergic.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.

Likely pest

Overwintering insects like boxelder bugs or stink bugs

Start with prevention; call if it continues

These insects look for sheltered spots to spend the winter and slip in through gaps around windows, siding, and vents.

What to do now

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. Read: related guide.