Hiring7 Things to Check Before Hiring a Pest-Control Company
A quick, practical checklist so you know what you're paying for — and what to ask about kids and pets.
The DuckTheBugs Team8 min read
Minor: DIY. Active: call a proProperty & health-relevant
Hearing something in the walls?
Rodent control is really two jobs: keeping them out (exclusion) and dealing with any already inside. Exclusion — finding and sealing the gaps they use — is the part that actually prevents a repeat. It's also where a lot of DIY efforts fall short, because rodents exploit surprisingly small openings.
Step one
How to identify the problem
- You hear scratching or scurrying in walls, ceilings, or the attic, often at night.
- You find droppings along walls, in cabinets, or in the garage.
- You see gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or wiring.
- Pets fixate on a spot in the wall or floor.
The why
Common causes
Entry points
Gaps around pipes, vents, rooflines, and the foundation — some no bigger than a coin — are all it takes.
Food access
Pet food, birdseed, pantry items, and trash give them a reason to stay.
Shelter and clutter
Cluttered garages, sheds, and storage areas offer nesting sites.
Exterior harborage
Woodpiles, dense vegetation against the house, and overgrowth near the foundation invite them close.
Roll up your sleeves
Things you can do yourself
01
Find and seal the gaps
Inspect where pipes and wires enter, along the roofline, and around the foundation. Seal openings with appropriate, gnaw-resistant materials.
02
Cut off the food
Store pantry items and pet food in sealed containers, secure trash, and clean up spills promptly.
03
Clear the harborage
Move woodpiles away from the house, trim vegetation off the foundation, and declutter garages and sheds.
04
Know DIY's limit
A single mouse caught early can be a DIY moment. Ongoing activity, droppings in multiple areas, or noises in the walls means the exclusion and removal job is bigger than most homeowners should tackle alone.
If you want tools
Products & tools that may help
A note on recommendations. DuckTheBugs may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on usefulness and relevance, not commission size.
Exclusion essential$
Screens & barriersGnaw-Resistant Sealing Kit
What we like
- Seals the small gaps rodents exploit
- Exclusion is what actually prevents a repeat
What to know
- You have to find every gap — small openings are enough
- Pair with removing food access
Kids & pets: Structural — keep loose materials away from pets during install.
For minor, early activity$
Traps & toolsTraditional Snap Traps
What we like
- Effective for a single mouse caught early
- No poison in the home
What to know
- Ongoing activity means it's time for a pro
- Placement and safety matter
Kids & pets: Place well out of reach of children and pets.
When to call a professional
- You hear ongoing activity in walls, ceilings, or the attic.
- You find droppings in multiple areas or evidence of gnawed wiring.
- DIY sealing and trapping haven't stopped it.
- You want a thorough exclusion job so it doesn't recur.
Know before you hire
What professional treatment usually involves
- 01A full inspection to map entry points and activity.
- 02Professional exclusion — sealing the structure properly so rodents can't return.
- 03A removal plan for animals already inside.
- 04Guidance on sanitation and any health-relevant cleanup, plus safe placement away from kids and pets.
Trust theme
Kids & Pets
Rodents raise real hygiene concerns, and any control products (including traps and baits) must be placed well out of reach of children and pets — follow all label and placement guidance. Because rodent droppings can be a health matter, cleanup should follow reputable public-health guidance; when in doubt, have a professional handle it.
Frequently asked questions
Related reading
Hiring
DIY first? We'll show you where to start.
Explore prevention, tools, and step-by-step help in the DIY hub — or get matched with a local pro when it's time.