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Homeowners commonly deal with mice and rats, ants (including carpenter ants), wasps, spiders, cockroaches, bed bugs, earwigs, and wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels. Which ones you see depends on the season, your property and surroundings.

Signs include droppings, gnaw marks, nests, sawdust-like debris from carpenter ants, scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, live or dead insects, bites, and unusual odours. Seeing pests during the day can indicate a larger population.

Costs depend on the type of pest, the size of the infestation, the home's size, the treatment method, the number of visits and whether exclusion work is needed. Because every home and scope is different, the only reliable number is a written quote. Ask two or three local businesses to visit and quote the same scope so you can compare like for like.

Call a professional when DIY efforts haven't worked, the infestation is spreading, pests pose health or structural risks (like rodents, bed bugs or carpenter ants), you're dealing with stinging insects, or you need wildlife removed humanely.

Seal gaps around pipes, doors, windows and the foundation; store food in sealed containers; keep garbage covered; fix moisture problems; trim vegetation away from the house; and keep firewood stored away from walls.

A single visit may be relatively short, but many infestations require follow-up treatments over days or weeks. The timeline depends on the pest, the method and how established the problem is. Your technician should explain the plan and any precautions.