Every month, I want to share a few things I wish more homeowners knew about pests: what I look for on a visit, what you can watch for, and which small habits really help. No sales pitch—just useful notes from the field.
Read this month's issue Rain in the forecast? Here’s how I handle your visit ↗Rain doesn't automatically mean a visit is canceled. It changes what I can safely and appropriately do.
Rain doesn’t automatically put your pest control service on hold. Depending on the conditions, I can often continue with inspections, address conditions around the property that may be contributing to pest activity, and perform treatments where the weather and product label allow. I adjust what I do to keep the service safe, effective, and mindful of runoff.
Some exterior pesticide applications are restricted during rain, and product labels still control where and how a treatment may be made. I avoid applications that could wash into gutters or storm drains. A wet surface isn't something to ignore.
If the weather prevents part of the treatment, I'll explain what I was able to do and what needs dry conditions or a follow-up. And if the weather makes access unsafe, the better call is to reschedule.
Why this matters: California has specific outdoor pesticide restrictions, and every treatment must follow its product label. Background: California Department of Pesticide Regulation ↗ and UC Integrated Pest Management ↗.
If you've noticed damaged wood, possible termite activity, or something around the wood framing of your home that concerns you, let me know when I come by. I can help arrange a visit from our home inspector. This is a separate inspection focused on those concerns, rather than a general pest inspection.
Please plan to be home for the appointment. Our inspector—not me—will carry out the inspection and will need access to the areas being evaluated. If you've noticed a particular spot, you can show them where it is.
A few of the everyday things I pay attention to—and what you can check between visits.
When I'm thinking about rodents, I look closely at garage doors, utility lines, and openings around pipes. If you spot a gap, let me know—especially if you've also heard or seen activity. We don't want to seal an animal inside.
Meet this month’s pest ↗I always remind people to check plant saucers, buckets, and anything outside that can hold water. Mosquitoes don't need a big puddle. Emptying those containers regularly can make a difference.
See the property checklist ↗One of the easiest things you can do between my visits is to clean up crumbs and spills, seal pantry items, and keep trash and pet food secure. It doesn't solve every problem, but it removes a reason for pests to stick around.
See the property checklist ↗A closer look at a pest worth knowing
Rattus rattus
Roof rats are excellent climbers. They use trees, fences, and rooflines to get around, and sometimes settle into attics or other protected spaces. That's why I pay attention to clues around a property even when nobody has actually seen a rat.
These reference images show the pest, some of the clues I investigate, and conditions I pay attention to during a service. They’re examples—not photos from your property or from my own service route.
This is the one I’m focusing on this month. Roof rats are agile climbers, so I pay attention to rooflines, fences, and branches as possible travel routes—not only activity at ground level.
Photo: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
If you notice droppings, I want to know where you found them. This comparison photo shows Norway rat droppings, not roof-rat-specific droppings; the droppings alone aren’t enough for me to identify the animal. Avoid disturbing them dry.
Photo: NY State IPM Program / Cornell University, CC BY 2.0.
I look at plants close to walls and any branches that reach a fence or roof. Thick landscaping can give rodents cover or a route toward the house. It isn’t proof of activity, but it’s worth checking.
Reference photo: Olympian Xeus / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
This is a real inspection example showing a structural penetration around utility wiring. Even an opening that looks small can be worth checking, depending on where it leads. I’d look for signs of activity before recommending how to close it up.
Photo: Matt Frye / NY State IPM Program at Cornell University, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
Image credits are included beneath each example. These credited reference photos load from Wikimedia Commons and may take a moment to appear.
As the weather changes, I pay attention to the protected spots pests can use around a home: worn door sweeps, gaps around pipes, dense plants against walls, and things stored right up against the house. Those quiet little areas are often more useful to check than the middle of the yard.
If you notice droppings, gnaw marks, a repeated insect trail, or sounds in a particular spot, tell me where and when. A photo helps too. Those details give me something specific to investigate rather than guessing.
Before I come by: If you can, make the areas you’re concerned about accessible and let me know where you've noticed activity. That helps me spend more time on the actual issue. If there's anything you need to do before or after a treatment, I'll walk you through it so you know what to expect.
Rain in the forecast? Here’s how I handle wet-weather visits ↗
I spend a lot of time answering questions about what’s happening around people’s homes. I wanted somewhere to put those answers so you can read them whenever you feel like it—without an email campaign or a sales pitch.
Lately, I’ve been trying to balance a full schedule while also helping cover for being short on technicians. I’m also doing my best to accommodate more immediate issues when they come up, even on days that are already fully booked.
If something has slipped through the cracks, felt delayed, or seemed like I wasn’t as available as I wanted to be, I sincerely apologize. I care about doing right by the people I service, and I’m working hard to stay responsive while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance so I can keep showing up and doing the job well.
I’ll keep adding a new issue each month, with one pest to know and a few practical things you can do between visits.
— Isaac
California Licensed Field Representative · Branch 2 · FR54227
You can bookmark this page and check back for the next issue.
Maybe someone shared this journal with you, or you’re looking into service for your own home. Here’s a simple idea of what a general pest control visit can involve, so you know what to ask about before getting started.
A routine visit usually focuses on common household pest concerns, especially around the outside of the home. The actual work depends on what’s needed and what’s included in your service.
Tell me what you’ve been noticing and where. A few details about the pest activity help me focus on the right areas instead of guessing.
I check accessible areas for signs of activity and conditions that may be attracting pests, including entry points, sheltered spots, and places you’ve pointed out.
Depending on the situation and service plan, a visit may include exterior treatments, removal of reachable webbing, or other targeted work. I’ll explain what was done and whether anything needs monitoring or a follow-up.
Not every pest concern is covered by the same service. Interior treatments or specialized work may need a different plan. Suspected termites, wood damage, and structural wood concerns can be referred for a separate appointment with our home inspector.
Give us a call or send a text with the main concerns you’re having. I can help point you toward the next step and getting information about available service options.
If someone shared this page with you, feel free to mention them when you reach out. There’s a referral incentive available as a thank-you; ask about the current details.
This overview isn’t a quote or a guarantee of specific treatments. Service options, scheduling, and any pricing are confirmed separately.