Seeing an unexplained insect or a rodent in your home can be alarming, especially if it’s unexpected. Whether it’s a trail of ants in the kitchen, a spider on the ceiling, or a surprise visit from a rodent in the garage, your first instinct might be to panic or immediately reach for the phone. But before you call Clark, your neighborly pest, rodent, lawn care and termite control expert, take a deep breath and follow these simple steps.

At Clark Pest Control, we’re here to help, not just with professional pest solutions, but with reassurance and guidance when pests pop up. Here's what we recommend you do first if you spot an unwanted crawling or flying visitor to your home or apartment.

1. Don’t Overreact

It’s natural to be unsettled by an uninvited guest but spotting a pest doesn’t automatically mean you have a full-blown infestation. Pests can wander inside by accident, especially during seasonal changes or after rain. A calm, clear-eyed assessment of the situation helps us determine the right solution faster.

2. Take Note of What You Saw

Try to recall and document a few details:

• What kind of pest did you see?
• Where did you see it?
• What time of day?
• How many?

Take a photo on your phone if possible. These observations with visual evidence can be extremely helpful to the technician when planning the most effective inspection and treatment.

3. Check for Entry Points

Without disturbing the area too much, look around for potential entry points. Common spots include:

• Cracks in baseboards or windowsills
• Gaps under doors
• Plumbing or utility penetrations
• Open food containers or pet food bowls

Again, this is not about DIY pest control just basic pest control awareness. Knowing where pests may be coming from can help us act quickly and precisely.

4. Avoid Using Store-Bought Sprays or Traps

While it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands, over-the-counter products can actually interfere with professional treatments. They may mask the problem or make pests scatter to harder-to-reach places. Trust us, it’s better to let a pest control professional do the investigating and recommend a treatment.

5. Secure Pets and Kids’ Areas

If you’ve seen a pest in an area where kids or pets play, keep those areas clean and monitor activity. After an inspection, we can advise you on any additional steps you should take but keeping the area clear helps reduce stress for everyone.

6. Prepare for the Inspection

Once you’ve scheduled an inspection or service, tidy up any clutter in the area where pests were seen. Clear access to walls, baseboards, and under sinks makes it easier for our technicians to do a thorough job.

We’re Just a Call Away

Remember, you don’t need to know what kind of pest it is or how it got in, that’s our job. What you can do is stay calm, gather information, and avoid making the problem worse with over-the-counter sprays.

Whether you’re dealing with ants, spiders, rodents, or something more mysterious, Clark Pest Control has your back. Our licensed and highly trained  technicians use proven science-based treatments to safely and effectively protect your home.

Clark Is Just a Call Away

Have questions? Ready to schedule an inspection? Contact Clark Pest Control today.

Call or text 800/WE-NEED-YOU
Email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping keep pests out of your home and yard.