Stewart Termite & Pest Control Blog: Pest Control Tips & Guides

Strange Noises in Your Walls? How to Tell if You Have Mice or Rats

It’s late at night, you’re lying in bed, and you hear scratching, scurrying, or squeaking coming from inside your walls or ceiling. Your first thought is probably “I have rodents,” but your second thought should be “What kind?” Knowing whether you’re dealing with mice or rats matters because these rodents behave differently, cause different types […]

Stewart Termite and Pest Control

The Truth About DIY Termite Treatments: Why They Usually Fail

Walk into any hardware store in Pittsburgh and you’ll find shelves stocked with termite treatment products promising to solve your pest problem for a fraction of what professionals charge. Spray foam, liquid treatments, bait stations, and various other solutions all claim to eliminate termites quickly and easily. It’s tempting to grab a few bottles and […]

Close-up of termites on wood, illustrating the wood-destroying insects that cause damage to homes, relevant to pest control discussions in Pittsburgh.

How Much Does Termite Damage Really Cost Pittsburgh Homeowners?

Termites are expensive. There’s no way around it. While you might hear that the average termite problem costs around $3,000 to fix, that number doesn’t tell the whole story. Some homeowners get lucky and catch infestations early, paying just for treatment with minimal repairs. Others face bills in the tens of thousands when termites have […]

Close-up view of wood damaged by termites, showcasing hollowed-out sections and structural deterioration, relevant to termite treatment and prevention discussions for homeowners in Pittsburgh.

Subterranean vs. Drywood Termites: What Pittsburgh Homeowners Need to Know

When most Pittsburgh homeowners think about termites, they picture wood-destroying insects that can cause serious damage to their property. While that’s accurate, not all termites are the same. Understanding the difference between subterranean and drywood termites can help you identify which type you’re dealing with and determine the best course of action to protect your […]

Close-up of termites on wood, highlighting the destructive pests that cause significant property damage, relevant to pest control discussions for homeowners in Pittsburgh.

How to Spot Early Signs of Termite Damage in Your Pittsburgh Home

Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage across the United States every year, and Pittsburgh homeowners are no exception to this costly problem. The challenge with termites is that they’re incredibly secretive pests. By the time most homeowners notice obvious signs of damage, termites have often been eating away at their home’s structure for […]

Close-up of a Jerusalem cricket, showcasing its distinctive brown body and prominent antennae, relevant to pest control discussions in Pittsburgh.

Why Should You Never Squish a Roach?

Finding a cockroach scurrying across your Pittsburgh kitchen floor triggers an instant reaction in most people: grab the nearest shoe and squish it. While this seems like the quickest solution to eliminate the pest, squishing a cockroach is actually one of the worst ways to deal with it. Not only is it ineffective at solving […]

Close-up of a tree trunk showing damage from termite infestation, highlighting the wood's texture and tunneling patterns, relevant to pest control discussions in Pittsburgh.

What Pest Is Most Damaging to a House?

When it comes to protecting your Pittsburgh home, understanding which pests pose the greatest threat to your property is essential. While many pests are merely annoying, some can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage, weaken your home’s foundation, and create safety hazards for your family. The answer to which pest is most damaging is […]

Insect resting on an unfolded sheet of paper, illustrating pest presence relevant to pest control discussions in Pittsburgh homes.

What Is the Hardest Pest to Get Rid Of?

When pests invade your Pittsburgh home, some are relatively easy to eliminate with the right treatment. Others, however, are notoriously difficult to eradicate completely. Understanding which pests present the biggest challenges can help you recognize when it’s time to call in professional help. Based on decades of pest control experience, three pests consistently top the […]

Home insurance policy documents with a pen and glasses, highlighting financial considerations for pest control in Pittsburgh homes.

Does Home Insurance Cover Pest Control?

Dealing with a pest infestation is stressful enough without worrying about the financial burden of treatment and repairs. Many Pittsburgh homeowners assume their home insurance policy will help cover pest control costs or damage caused by pests like termites, rodents, or bed bugs. Unfortunately, the answer is usually no. Understanding what your home insurance does […]

Morning dew on spider web threads glistening on branches, illustrating seasonal pest behavior and the natural environment in Pittsburgh.

Do Spiders Come Inside for the Winter?

As temperatures drop in Pittsburgh, you might notice more spiders appearing inside your home. It’s easy to assume they’re coming in from the cold to escape winter weather, but the truth about spiders and winter might surprise you. Here’s what’s really happening when you spot spiders indoors during the colder months. The Short Answer: They’re […]