Pest control in Troy
Oakland County, Metro Detroit
Troy's homes are mostly colonials, ranches and tri-levels built from the 1960s through the 1990s on larger lots, many with mature trees, decks and wooded back yards. Those features bring a different mix of pests than older Detroit-area suburbs: carpenter ants, stink bugs, wasps and wildlife lead the list, with mice still showing up every fall.
Animal in the house right now? Here's what to do.
Areas we cover
- Big Beaver corridor
- Somerset area
- Rochester Hills
- Clawson
- Birmingham
- Bloomfield Township
- Madison Heights
- Sterling Heights
- Royal Oak
The pests Troy homeowners call about most
- 01
Carpenter ants
Peak Apr to Jun
Wooded lots, large decks and trees overhanging roofs make carpenter ants the most common spring call in Troy.
$200 to $600typical
- 02
Stink bugs
Peak Sep to Oct
Brown marmorated stink bugs gather on two-story colonials with sunny south and west walls, then enter around windows, siding and attic vents in fall.
$150 to $400typical
- 03
Asian lady beetles
Peak Oct
Lady beetles cluster in upper corners of rooms and around skylights, especially in homes near wooded areas.
$150 to $400typical
- 04
Wasps and hornets
Peak Aug to Sep
Paper wasps and yellowjackets build in the eaves of tall colonials and under deck boards, where nests are hard to reach without a ladder.
$100 to $350typical
- 05
Wildlife
Peak Mar to Jun
Raccoons and squirrels get into attics through roof vents and chimneys, and skunks dig under decks and sheds.
$300 to $1,500typical
- 06
Mice
Peak Sep to Nov
Mice still find their way into newer homes, usually through the garage and gaps where utility lines enter.
$150 to $450typical
Bigger houses, bigger trees
Many Troy subdivisions have back yards that end at tree lines, drainage areas or wooded common space. Forty or fifty years after the houses went up, those trees are large and their branches reach over roofs and decks. That shade keeps wood damp, which is what carpenter ants need. Large black ants on the kitchen counter in early spring usually mean a nest in a wall, window frame or deck ledger, not one outside.
Decks deserve special attention. Many Troy homes have large wood decks, and the ledger board where the deck attaches to the house is a common place for moisture and ants to get in. A technician will check there, around bay windows and chimney chases, and at roof valleys where water collects.
Fall invaders on two-story homes
Tall colonials with light siding and big south-facing walls are exactly what stink bugs and Asian lady beetles look for in September and October. They land on the warm side of the house, then work into gaps around window trim, siding seams, soffits and attic vents. By winter they show up indoors on sunny days, often in upstairs bedrooms and bonus rooms.
The most effective approach is sealing those gaps in late summer and having a perimeter treatment applied to the upper walls before they start gathering. Once they are inside the walls, sprays reach very few of them, so a vacuum is your best tool indoors. Homes near Stage Nature Center, Troy's larger parks and other wooded areas tend to see the heaviest numbers.
Pest control in Troy: common questions
How do I know if I have carpenter ants or regular ants?
Carpenter ants are large, usually black or black and red, with an evenly rounded back. You may also find small piles of sawdust-like shavings near window frames or baseboards. Small brown ants trailing to the kitchen are more likely pavement or odorous house ants, which are covered on our ants page.
What should I do about raccoons in the attic?
Do not seal the hole until you know the animals are out, especially in spring when young may be inside. A wildlife control company can confirm what is there, remove or exclude the animals, and then repair the entry point with heavy screening. Many pest control companies in the Troy area offer this work or can refer you.
Is quarterly pest service worth it for a Troy home?
For homes with wooded lots, decks and lots of mature trees, often yes, since the main pests change by season. For a home on an open lot with few problems, a spring and fall visit may be enough. Get a couple of quotes and ask what each plan covers.
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