What would you do if you found signs of a pest infestation in your home?
Whether you’ve moved into your house or you’ve taken years to crack that hideous mold beneath your sink, it’s never nice to find unwelcome visitors making your house their home. Unfortunately, no matter how clean you are, things can slip by and it’s possible that you’ve already got unwanted guests making a home out of your property.
But how do you know if you’ve been invaded by pests?
Here, we’re outlining some of the key signs of a pest infestation. Keep reading for the telltale signs of an unwanted guest, so you can act fast.
Presence of Droppings
Droppings can vary depending on the pest, with rodents leaving grains or capsule-shaped droppings and cockroaches leaving small and cylindrical droppings. Droppings can be hazardous and should be immediately addressed and removed to prevent possible contamination or, even worse, the spreading of disease or parasites.
Also, many droppings found together, such as in a cupboard or closet, is an even bigger indicator of an infestation as it shows pests are finding an inhabited area and settling in. As droppings can last for years, and attract other pests, knowing when to look and what to look for are key when attempting to decide if there is a pest problem.
Damage to Structures or Property
This can range from minor cosmetic damage to structural damage that can result in costly repairs or replacements. Left unaddressed, pests can cause extensive damage over time. Stains, holes, weakened foundations, support beams, or crumbling insulation are all signs that pests may have been present.
Any changes in the structure of a building can be signs of pest infestation, such as the appearance of unknown tunnels or holes in walls or floors. Also, it includes gnawing marks on walls and furniture, scratches on wooden surfaces, and frayed wires and cables.
Strange Smells
Pests like mice, rats, and cockroaches can release an unpleasant odor that can detect even in small homes. Also, some insects such as bed bugs and fleas can also release a distinct odor.
Wind can carry these odors into the home and may be more detectable in warmer weather. If a strange smell continues to persist, it is best to investigate potential causes.
Buzzing or Chirping Noises
Common culprits are rodents, birds, and insects. Rodents, especially those of the rat family, often make a high-pitched squeak or chirp while they scurry around. Also, birds may enter your home, build a nest and make loud chirping noises while they feed their young.
Finally, certain bugs like crickets make noise by rubbing their wings or legs together. If you experience a sudden burst of noise or one that lasts over a few days, it is usually a sign that pests are present. If you notice any of these signs along with buzzing or chirping noises, you should take action and make sure to hire a professional exterminator immediately.
The Sight of Living Insects or Rodents
If homeowners start to see living insects or rodents in their homes, they may be seeing some signs of a pest infestation. These signs can range from flies, moths, ants, cockroaches, mice, and even foxes or opossums in the attic or yard. Pests can lurk in cracks and crevices in walls, under carpets and rugs, or anywhere there is an available food supply.
It is important to take steps to find and cut these unwanted guests before they cause extensive damage or danger to property and people. Doing so will ensure peace and safety for everyone in the family and prevent the spread of harmful diseases.
Ruin Stored Goods
Signs of a pest infestation are important things to look out for to be sure of the quality and safety of stored goods. Oftentimes, items in storage can ruin by pests such as mice, rats, termites, cockroaches, and other crawling insects.
Seeing one or two occasional insects or rodents is not the problem, but many critters or any of the removed signs definitely warrant maintenance and preventive measures. Checking your stored goods can help you find and discuss any signs of a pest infestation, preventing it from worsening and ruining more of your stored goods.
Egg Casings Left Behind
These egg casings appear as clusters with a diameter of about 3 millimeters in size and can vary in color from white to brownish-yellow. These clusters are found in warm, dark places such as near heaters, exposed wiring, under sink cabinets, and behind furniture. They are also found in drain pipes, near pet food, and near food-storage areas.
It is important to be vigilant of egg casings, as they can show that you have an active pest infestation. An efficient way to prevent an infestation is to search for and remove these egg casings as much as possible. Doing so will help prevent a full-fledged infestation, saving you time, money, and energy.
Tips for Preventing Future Pest Infestations
Pest infestations can cause considerable damage, both to property and health. Make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of a pest infestation and take action right away.
Check your home for signs of pests and contact a local pest control company to get rid of the pests. Timely help will prevent more extensive damage, so act immediately!
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