Immediate action guide
Pest Control Service Emergency Action Steps
What to do right now before a pest control service arrives, with clear lines for 911, utility, and contractor calls.
First rule
If there is fire, smoke, shock, collapse risk, gas odor, carbon monoxide alarm, injury, trapped people, or any uncertainty about safety, leave the area and call 911. Use these steps only when you can act from a safe position.
E1
Stinging Insect Swarm
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the nest area, doorway, eaves, yard, or wall opening.
- Go indoors or to a vehicle and keep people away from the flight path.
- Close doors and windows near the swarm without slamming or spraying.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call pest control and describe nest location, access, and whether anyone was stung.
Do not do this
- - Do not spray a large nest, block its hole, throw objects, or use fire.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E2
Rodent in Living Space
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the room, food surfaces, pet bowls, and visible entry path.
- Close interior doors and keep pets and children out of the room.
- Remove accessible food and avoid cornering or grabbing the animal.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call pest control and note sightings, droppings, noises, and possible entry points.
Do not do this
- - Do not use loose poison where children, pets, or food surfaces may be exposed.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E3
Termites Swarming
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the swarm, windowsill, basement, porch, or damp wood.
- Leave the insects and wings in place long enough to photograph and identify.
- Close the room and reduce moisture sources you can safely stop.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call pest control and report swarm time, location, moisture, and damaged wood.
Do not do this
- - Do not spray over evidence or tear out wood before inspection.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E4
Suspected Bed Bugs
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the bed, sofa, luggage, laundry, and room doorway.
- Keep items in the room and avoid moving bedding through the house.
- Bag loose linens if already disturbed and save a photo or sample in a sealed bag if safe.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call pest control and ask what preparation should wait until they inspect.
Do not do this
- - Do not throw furniture outside, fog the room, or move belongings into other rooms.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E5
Wildlife in Attic
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the attic hatch, ceiling, soffits, vents, and rooms below.
- Close access to the attic and keep pets and children away from noises or droppings.
- Turn off attic fans if safe and avoid blocking exterior holes yourself.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call pest or wildlife control and describe sounds, timing, entry points, and odors.
Do not do this
- - Do not trap an animal inside walls or crawl through contaminated insulation.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.