Look, we get it — it’s understandable that you don’t want to entertain the thought of sharing your home with pests. After all, you’ve already gone to great lengths to pest-proof the place. But critters are not ones to just give up — they’re always scouting other avenues into your home. So it’s important that you know how to recognize an infestation.
Here are 6 signs that it’s time to call residential pest control services:
- You spot signs of life: Shed body parts, droppings, scratches, fur and so on — pests are incontinent. As good as they are at hiding, critters cannot entirely conceal evidence of their presence in your home. So if you spot any of these things, know that you’re dealing with an infestation. Also keep in mind that some pests carry dangerous pathogens; be careful when handling whatever they’ve left behind.
- Strange smells: Critters also leave a trail in the form of strange odors (oily for roaches; ammonia-like for mice and most rodents; musty, slightly sweet smell for bed bugs). Keep in mind that these odors can attract more pests.
- Your dog or cat behaves oddly: Your pet will likely notice pests living in your home long before you do, thanks to their sharp hunting instincts. If your dog or cat has lately developed a habit of staring at the ceiling, they could be warning you of uninvited guests. Similarly, don’t rush to reprimand your pet when you see them growl suddenly, then start to sniff and scratch at floorboards.
- Strange sounds: Most rodents are nocturnal. So when you start hearing strange noises in the dead of night — scratching, scampering, clawing etc — it means you have uninvited guests. Insects and crawlers don’t make much sound, although it’s possible to hear termites wreaking havoc if you’re keen.
- Unexplained damage: It could be gnaw marks on your furniture and clothing, chewed electrical wiring, insulation ripped off walls and piping, or just a trail of droppings on your carpets and floor rugs. Pests will leave a trail of destruction in your home, causing you misery and compromising your safety.
- Pest sightings: For every critter you see in your home, there could be a hundred more hidden somewhere within. This is particularly true for colonial pests like roaches and termites.
Have you spotted any of these signs in or around your home? Call a residential pest control services provider before things get out of hand.
