Best pest control specialists near Jacksonville, IL

The type and amount of damage pests can cause to your home depends on the type of pest. Some pests, like rodents, often chew through wiring and can cause extensive damage to electrical systems, HVAC systems, walls, and insulation. Additionally, the pest’s waste presents a potential health hazard if it contaminates food or water. Other pests, such as termites, chew through floors, walls, and furniture, causing thousands of dollars in damage and making for costly repairs.

No, you should never vacuum or sweep up mouse or rat droppings, as doing so can release harmful particles into the air and increase your risk of disease exposure. Instead, wear gloves and a mask, spray the droppings with a disinfectant spray, let it soak for a few minutes, and then carefully wipe them up with paper towels. Afterward, disinfect the area thoroughly and immediately wash your hands when you’re done.

If you spot two or more cockroaches inside your home, you should hire an exterminator to conduct an inspection and provide eradication treatments. If you see one cockroach and no others, it may have been a stray that wandered inside. Don’t hesitate to call an exterminator as soon as you see more than one cockroach in your home.

Groundhogs usually keep their cool despite being easily spooked. However, there are exceptions—they might get defensive or territorial if they feel threatened or overly concerned. If they sense a threat to their babies, they could get feisty, too. These wild animals are not meant to be kept as pets. If you find babies or an injured groundhog, contact your local animal rescue or wildlife service for guidance.