{"id":108173,"date":"2025-12-08T13:59:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T21:59:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=108173"},"modified":"2025-12-08T13:59:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T21:59:19","slug":"early-signs-of-pest-infestations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/early-signs-of-pest-infestations\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Spot Early Signs of Pest Infestation Before It\u2019s Too Late"},"content":{"rendered":"

No homeowner or property manager likes surprises, especially when those surprises involve uninvited pests. What often starts as a tiny, barely noticeable sign can quickly turn into one of those full-blown pest infestations that cost time and money to fix. The good news is that with a little awareness, you can spot warning signs early and stay one step ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Redfin<\/span><\/a> collaborated with <\/span>Pestcom Pest Management<\/span><\/a> to share expert tips that can help from their team members Joseph L. Kondor and J. Kenny Daily. Whether you own a <\/span>house in Columbus, OH<\/span><\/a> or rent a <\/span>townhome in Tampa, FL<\/span><\/a>, keeping an eye out now can save a lot of trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look for the small things people tend to miss<\/span><\/h2>\n

Subtle physical changes around your home<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many early signs are so subtle that most people walk right past them. According to Joseph L. Kondor of Pestcom Pest Management, \u201cOne thing people miss a lot is fine sand or soil pushing up through cracks in concrete. That usually means pavement ants are tunneling underneath.\u201d These tiny piles of dirt often go unnoticed, especially in driveways and along walkways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Droppings and tiny specks<\/span><\/h3>\n

Kondor also points out that \u201csmall mouse droppings are another early sign, especially in kitchens, pantries, or garages.\u201d Even a few droppings can indicate that rodents have already found a safe place to explore. In addition, \u201ctiny black specks that look like ground pepper on walls, around windows, or in cupboards\u201d may actually be droppings or stains left behind by flies or cockroaches.<\/span><\/p>\n

Webs and nests that seem harmless<\/span><\/h3>\n

Similarly, J. Kenny Daily explains that people often overlook spider webs and nests. \u201cSpider webs on eaves, in garage corners, and around windows often show there is a food source nearby,\u201d he says. He adds that \u201csmall honeycomb-style nests under ledges, on eaves, or along fence lines point to wasp activity.\u201d These signs may seem harmless at first, but they can be the first stage of ongoing pest infestations if ignored.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read>> <\/i><\/b>How to Get Rid of Roaches in Your Apartment or House<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Focus on the areas most likely to show activity<\/span><\/h2>\n

High-risk areas inside the home<\/span><\/h3>\n

When checking your home, some spaces deserve extra attention. Inside, Kondor explains, \u201cthe kitchen and the garage usually show activity first because they offer food, shelter, and easy access points.\u201d Daily supports this and adds that areas with moisture, such as \u201cthe laundry room, bathrooms, and the kitchen,\u201d are also common problem spots.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outdoor trouble zones<\/span><\/h3>\n

Outside, make sure to check the eaves and roofline. Kondor notes that they \u201coften reveal the earliest signs, especially when spiders or wasps start nesting.\u201d Taking a slow walk around the outside of your home every few weeks can help you catch changes early.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seasonal changes can trigger new activity<\/span><\/h2>\n

Why timing matters<\/span><\/h3>\n

As the weather shifts, pests change their behavior. In the spring, Kondor shares that \u201cmany pests become more active and start moving around the property.\u201d Daily adds that \u201crain and warming temperatures increase insect activity\u201d and that clover mites, earwigs, and beetles are common during this time.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the hot summer months, Daily warns of \u201ca major rise in <\/span>summer pests<\/span><\/a> like wasp, hornet, and yellow jacket activity.\u201d Then, as summer fades into fall, both experts agree that rodents and spiders begin searching for warmth. Kondor explains that \u201cthis is when they are more likely to move indoors,\u201d which can quickly lead to serious pest infestations if no action is taken.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seasonal pest activity at a glance<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Season<\/th>What to watch for<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Early Spring<\/td>Warming temperatures and rain increase activity. Clover mites, earwigs, and beetles become more common.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Summer<\/td>A major rise in wasp, hornet, and yellow jacket activity due to high temperatures.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Late Summer and Fall<\/td>Rodents and spiders begin looking for warmth and may move indoors.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Winter<\/a><\/td>Rodents search for warm shelter in and around homes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Simple DIY checks that make a big difference<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick indoor inspections<\/span><\/h3>\n

You do not need expensive tools to get started. Kondor recommends \u201cquick inspections under sinks, in pantries, and in other food storage areas.\u201d Do a monthly quick sweep and look for droppings, chew marks, or unusual insect activity. He also suggests using \u201cglue boards or sticky traps\u201d in garages, under sinks, and in corners as an early warning system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outdoor maintenance that prevents entry<\/span><\/h3>\n