What to Do When You Find Pest Droppings or Nesting Signs at Home

Finding droppings or nesting material can be unsettling. Here is how to stay safe, what to avoid, and when to call a professional in the Puget Sound area.

What to Do When You Find Pest Droppings or Nesting Signs at Home

Discovering pest droppings or nesting signs in your home is unsettling. Your first instinct might be to clean everything yourself or try to figure out exactly what pest you are dealing with. Taking a few simple steps first can keep you and your family safer and make it easier for a pro to help. Do not panic. Many pests common in Western Washington, including rodents and some insects, leave droppings and nesting material in similar spots: attics, crawl spaces, under sinks, and along baseboards. Knowing what to do next matters more than identifying every detail on your own.

Stay safe before you clean or touch anything

Wear gloves and a mask when you are anywhere near droppings or nesting material. Some pests carry germs that can spread through dust or contact. Open windows or run a fan for fresh air if you are in a confined space like a crawl space or attic. Do not sweep or vacuum droppings with a regular vacuum. That can blow tiny particles into the air. If you need to clean before a professional visit, dampen the area lightly and wipe with disposable cloths, then seal everything in a bag and wash your hands well. When in doubt, leave the cleanup to the experts.

What to look for (without touching)

Note where you see droppings: along walls, in cabinets, near food, or in storage areas. That helps a technician know where to focus. If you see nesting material, chewed wires, or gnaw marks, that points to rodents. Smaller droppings or shed skin might point to insects. You do not need to know the exact species; a description and location are enough for a pro to start.

When to call a professional

Call a pest control provider if you see droppings or nesting in living areas, near food, or in more than one place. Persistent scratching or rustling in walls or ceilings is another good reason to get someone out. In Western Washington, rodent control and general pest programs are common; a company like Sunrise can inspect, identify, and set up a plan so the problem does not grow.

What professionals do next

A technician will look for entry points, nesting sites, and how widespread the activity is. From there, they can recommend sealing gaps, removing attractants, and sometimes traps or other treatments. Many homeowners in Bremerton, Seattle, and nearby areas use ongoing pest programs to prevent new issues and catch any that show up. If you have found droppings or nesting signs and want a clear plan, call Sunrise Pest Management at (888) 376-9109 or contact us for an inspection.

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