Top 7 Signs You Need a Los Angeles Pest Inspection Before the New Year

1. Droppings or Urine Trails Around Your Home

Finding droppings is one of the most immediate warnings that you need a Los Angeles pest inspection. Whether it’s rodent pellets, cockroach droppings, or insect frass, these indicators reveal active infestations nearby.

Common signs include:

• Small, dark rice-shaped droppings (mice)
• Larger, pellet-like droppings (rats)
• Pepper-like specks (cockroaches)
• Sawdust-like material (termites)

Rodents are especially active during the cooler months in Los Angeles. As the temperature drops, rats and mice move indoors for warmth, nesting materials, and food sources. Many LA neighborhoods, especially older homes, are vulnerable because even a hole the size of a coin is enough for a mouse to enter.

For rodent concerns, visit:

Rodent Control Services

Ignoring droppings is dangerous, as rodent waste carries bacteria, allergens, and viruses that can affect indoor air quality.

2. Strange Sounds Behind Walls, Ceilings, or Attics

If you’re hearing scratching, tapping, gnawing, fluttering, or scurrying noises at night, you’re likely hosting unwanted guests. Sounds often become more noticeable in the evening when pests are most active and when your home is quieter.

What these sounds may indicate:

• Scratching: rats, mice, or raccoons
• Light tapping: roaches or insects
• Soft movement: nesting rodents
• Fluttering: birds or bats

Because Los Angeles has warm microclimates, pests stay active year-round and do not fully “shut down” in winter as they do in colder states. This constant activity is a strong reason to schedule a pest inspection in Los Angeles early, before pests multiply or cause damage behind your walls.

3. Damaged Wires, Chewed Walls, or Torn Packaging

One of the biggest warning signs is physical damage around your home. Rodents chew nonstop because their teeth never stop growing. This instinct leads them to chew on anything in their path, including:

• electrical wiring
• food containers
• wooden structures
• insulation
• drywall

This type of damage is more than a nuisance; it can spark electrical fires or cause expensive structural repairs. Large cockroach infestations can also damage pantry items and contaminate surfaces with bacteria.

A Los Angeles pest inspection helps detect early signs of chewing, tunneling, or nesting that you may miss.

4. Persistent Unpleasant Odors or Musty Smells

Pest-related odors are a strong sign of hidden activity. Even if you can’t see pests, your nose may warn you before your eyes do.

Odor sources may include:

rodent urine (strong, musky smell)

cockroach infestations (oily, pungent odor)

dead pests behind walls

mold caused by pest-related moisture

insect pheromones or nesting smells

Because LA homes often have older construction and crawl spaces, odors can linger longer and spread through vents or duct systems. If you smell anything unusual, it’s time for a Los Angeles pest inspection to locate the source.

5. Visible Pests During the Day

Seeing pests in daylight is often a sign of a severe infestation. Most pests—especially roaches and rodents- prefer to stay hidden during the day. If they’re visible when the sun is out, it typically means:

• Their nest is overcrowded
• Food sources are running low
• The infestation has expanded
• They are competing for territory

For example, seeing a single cockroach during the day may indicate that dozens (or hundreds) are hiding in walls, cabinets, or drains. A daytime rodent sighting can indicate a mature infestation.

A Los Angeles pest inspection helps uncover how deep the issue runs and what treatment plan you need.

6. Grease Marks, Smudge Trails, and Nesting Materials

Rodents always travel along the same pathways, leaving behind markings that indicate high activity. These marks appear due to the oils and dirt on their fur.

Look for:

• dark grease trails along baseboards
• smudges on walls
• holes near floor corners
• shredded paper or cardboard
• insulation scattered around
• dried leaves or small twigs

Nests typically appear in attics, garages, basements, wall voids, and storage areas. A trained pest inspector can identify exactly where the nest is located—even if it’s hidden deep inside walls.

To explore more treatment options, visit:

General Pest Control Services

7. Increased Pest Sightings After Rain or Temperature Changes

Weather greatly affects pest behavior in Los Angeles. After rainfall or colder evenings, pests such as ants, spiders, roaches, and rodents quickly move indoors searching for warmth and dry shelter.

Common entry points include:

• roof gaps
• attic vents
• foundation cracks
• broken screens
• gaps under doors

If you notice an increase in pests after weather changes, you likely have entry points that pests are exploiting. A Los Angeles pest inspection helps identify these vulnerabilities so they can be sealed before winter activity spikes.