Look for the source.
Clean up the crumbs, but check the leak too. Prevention works best when you address the conditions behind the activity.
REAL KNOWLEDGE. A HEALTHIER HOME.
Don’t let
the bugs
move in.
Your home is worth protecting. Spot the signs, shut down the welcome mat, and know when it’s time to call a pro.
Get pest-smartFree education. Technician-informed. Built for real life.
Fewer pests.Practical prevention starts here.
Prevention first. Panic never.Start with one room
01 / KNOW WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING AT
Spot the signs.
Skip the guesswork.
One sighting is a starting point. Use these free identification guides to connect the clues before you act.
01AntsA trail is a clue. Follow it.Read guide
Warning signs
Look for repeated trails along counters, baseboards, or window frames. Winged ants have bent antennae and a pinched waist; termites look different. A photo alone may not confirm the species.
Your first steps
Wipe up food residue, seal pantry food, and check for drips. Record where trails enter before closing small gaps. Avoid spraying a trail at random: the right approach depends on the species.
When to call a pro
Get help if activity keeps returning, you find large ants with wood debris, or you cannot distinguish ants from termites.
02CockroachesCheck the places that stay dark and damp.Read guide
Warning signs
Watch for live insects after dark, pepper-like droppings, shed skins, and egg cases near appliances or plumbing. Droppings alone are not a reliable identification.
Your first steps
Remove grease and crumbs, empty trash, fix leaks, and reduce cardboard clutter. Check beneath the refrigerator and sink without reaching into electrical equipment. Do not use bug bombs: they can spread pests and expose people to pesticide.
When to call a pro
Repeated sightings, daytime activity, or signs in several rooms warrant professional assessment. In shared housing, tell the property manager too.
03TermitesWood damage deserves a closer look.Read guide
Warning signs
Possible signs include mud tubes on foundations, piles of similar-sized shed wings, or damaged wood. Swarmers often have straight antennae and a broad waist. Damage can have other causes, so arrange an inspection.
Your first steps
Keep wood and mulch away from siding, address leaks, and maintain visible foundation clearance. Photograph suspected tubes or damage and leave them intact for inspection.
When to call a pro
Call a qualified termite professional promptly for suspected activity or structural damage. A household spray is not a substitute for a termite inspection.
04Bed bugsBites alone cannot tell you what it is.Read guide
Warning signs
Inspect mattress seams and bed-frame joints for live insects, shed skins, eggs, or dark spotting. Bed bugs are small, flat, and brown; a bite pattern cannot confirm them.
Your first steps
Photograph or safely contain a specimen for identification. Reduce clutter near the bed and avoid moving belongings into other rooms. Do not discard furniture or apply rubbing alcohol, outdoor pesticides, or improvised heat treatments.
When to call a pro
Seek professional identification and a treatment plan when you find a suspect insect or recurring evidence. In a rental, notify management promptly.
Look safely. Note the room, time, and frequency. A clear photo or contained specimen can help a professional identify the pest.
02 / CHANGE THE CONDITIONS
Room by room.
Habit by habit.
Pests need food, water, and shelter. Take away the easy options. Open a room and check off a few simple jobs today.
Kitchen & pantryCut off the food supply.
Bathroom & laundryGet ahead of moisture.
Bedrooms & living spacesLess clutter. Easier checks.
Garage & outsideDefend the entry points.
Checks reset when you reload. Repeat weekly and after weather changes. Leave electrical, structural, and hard-to-reach repairs to a qualified professional.
03 / SEE IT. UNDERSTAND IT.
The video library.
Practical lessons, organized by pest. Jeremy’s videos are coming soon. Until then, start with the written guides.
Field know-how.
Made easy to follow.
Upcoming topics: what to look for, where to check, and what to do next.
FIRST VIDEOS COMING SOON04 / THE KNOW-HOW BEHIND THE ADVICE
Meet Jeremy.
Your pest-smart guide.
Jeremy is a pest control technician and the founder of PestProof Living. He’s bringing his practical experience to homeowner education: recognizing pest signs, preventing problems, and knowing the limits of DIY.
The goal is simple: help you understand what’s happening in your home and make a more informed next move.
TECHNICIAN INSIGHTS / START HERE
Keep a record.
Write down where and when you see signs. A pattern is more useful than a guess when asking for an inspection.
Identify before treating.
The right next step depends on the pest. More spray does not automatically mean better control.
05 / KNOW WHEN TO HAND IT OVER
Confidence includes
calling a pro.
Prevention is a habit. An infestation may need a professional. Don’t wait for a small concern to become a bigger one.
Prepare for an inspection- Suspected termites or damage to wood or structure.
- Activity that persists or spreads despite prevention.
- Suspected bed bugs, or a pest you cannot identify.
- A nest in a risky spot, stinging pests, or inaccessible activity.
What should I ask a professional?
Ask how they will confirm the pest, what conditions are contributing, and which treatment options they recommend. Check local licensing requirements and request a written plan.
Discuss preparation, follow-up, costs, and precautions for children and pets. Follow product labels and re-entry instructions.
For a severe reaction to a sting or another medical emergency, seek emergency medical care.
KNOW MORE. LIVE BETTER.