FAQs

Pestonik is a pest information site. We publish clear, researched guides on ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, spiders and other household pests, plus free tools such as a Pest Identifier and a Cost Calculator. Read more about us.

Every guide is written by a named author who focuses on one pest topic. You can meet the team on our Authors page, and see how we research and fact-check in our Editorial Policy.

No. Our guides are for general education. For active infestations, health concerns, or property damage, contact a licensed pest control professional. See our Disclaimer for details.

We review our articles on a regular schedule, at least once a year, or sooner when something important changes. Updated guides are revised in place so the advice stays current.

Use our Contact page. We read every message, and many of our guides started as a question from a reader.

It compares your answers with the signs commonly linked to each pest and suggests the most likely matches. It is a helpful starting point, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure, or the problem is serious, have a professional inspect it. Try the Pest Identifier.

The Cost Calculator uses typical ballpark price ranges in US dollars and adjusts them for the pest, home size, severity and type of service. Estimates are not quotes. Real prices depend on your location, the company and what an inspection finds, so always compare written quotes. Open the Cost Calculator.

No. Both tools run in your browser, and the answers you enter are not saved or sent to us.

Look at three things. Termites have a thick, straight body with no pinched waist, straight antennae, and two pairs of wings of equal length. Flying ants have a narrow waist, elbowed antennae, and front wings longer than the back wings. If you are not sure, collect one and have it identified, because termites call for a professional inspection.

Bites alone are not proof, since many insects cause similar marks. Look for live bugs, shed skins, tiny dark spots on bedding, and small blood stains, especially along mattress seams and bed frames. If you confirm bed bugs, professional treatment is usually the reliable fix.

Usually because the cause is still there: food and crumbs, moisture or leaks, clutter, or small gaps that let them in. Treatment works best when you also remove what attracts them and seal entry points.

They can help with minor problems caught early, such as a few ants or the odd cockroach. Termites, bed bugs, and established rodent or cockroach infestations usually need professional treatment. Always follow product labels and keep treatments away from children and pets.

There is little reliable evidence that they do. Studies on plug-in ultrasonic devices have generally not shown that they keep rodents or insects away. Sealing entry points, removing food and water sources, and using proper traps or baits are more dependable.

Call a professional if you suspect termites, hear activity inside walls or ceilings, have bed bugs, see pests in many rooms, or if a problem returns after treatment. Seek medical advice for any bite or sting with spreading redness, severe pain, or other serious symptoms.

Only when used exactly as the label says. Keep products out of reach, keep children and pets away from treated areas until they are dry or the label allows re-entry, and ask a licensed technician about lower-risk options if you have young children, pets, or someone who is pregnant at home.