As a homeowner, you are responsible for making sure things are in good shape around your house. This means taking care of small maintenance issues, keeping it clean, and staying on top of required necessities.
While doing your due diligence as a homeowner, keeping your eyes open for the warning signs of pest infestations is part of the job. You, the people living inside the home, are always the first to realize when something is wrong.
Pest control is something most homes need at some point. Often people think cleanliness goes hand in hand with pest control but this simply isn't the case. Whether you deal with mice, insects, or larger animals in attics and crawl spaces understanding when you have an issue is the first step to rectifying it.
If you think your home is in need of pest control services, read on below to learn more about the 15 signs you should watch for. These signs will help you make the right decision for your home, your family, and yourself.
1. Droppings
One of the most common signs of your need for a pest control professional is droppings. No matter the type of pest you're dealing with, most likely, you'll see these droppings somewhere in your home, garage, or attic space.
Mice are one of the worst culprits for leaving their droppings around the home. These rodents can easily find their way into your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. They can also scurry across countertops while you're sleeping.
Unfortunately, mouse droppings resemble sesame seeds and can often be overlooked in a kitchen area. If you haven't been using these seeds in your favorite recipes, then it's probably mice.
Termites are another type of pest that loves leaving their feces behind. When dealing with termite infestations you'll find small mounds of wood-colored pellets. This is called frass and is a sign termites are on your property.
Termite infestations can cause quite a bit of damage around the home. If you see frass, or even think you do, calling for pest control solutions is your best option.
2. Ladybugs
Sure, having ladybugs inside your home is annoying, but they aren't really harmful. The issue with spotting these cute creatures is it usually means you have other pests they are wanting to eat.
Ladybugs eat scale insects, mites, and whiteflies. When your garden's ladybugs make their way inward, it usually means your home is playing host to one or more of their favorite meals.
Most pest control services advise leaving the ladybugs alone but will step in to do a full inspection of your home to locate the real problem. Once their meal source has been eradicated, ladybugs usually find their way back outside. Unless of course, it's really cold out there.
3. An Abundance of Spiders
The issue with spiders is two-fold. No one wants their home to become infested with these eight-legged creatures that are the source of nightmares for so many. Unfortunately, an abundance of spiders means other pests may also be in your home.
Webs and egg sacs are the first signs you have a spider infestation. Yes, seeing this is scary. Luckily, with a call to the right team, you can quickly alleviate your spider issues.
If the spiders aren't the true problem and they've invaded your home due to an abundance of tasty insects for them to eat, then your pest control team will need to do more work.
Spiders feed on the insects you want to be kept out of your home. If you see lots of them running around, most likely, they are enjoying a buffet. Keep this in mind when contacting the professionals.
4. Unusual Smells
Another big sign you have a pest control issue is strange smells emitting throughout the home. If you catch a whiff of stale or rotting food you can't locate, pests are the likely culprit.
Insects and mice love snatching pieces of food and taking them into your walls where they can eat uninterrupted. If they are eating well, these foods may begin to rot. By the time you smell it, you have a real problem.
Pest urine and feces also put off an unwanted odor in the home. While pests are scurrying through your walls, they relieve themselves. Over time, especially with major infestations, this smell can get quite strong.
Pests also die around your home. While one dying insect may not cause an issue, a colony could. Mice are huge issues as their bodies decay and the smell invades your personal space.
5. Body Parts
Yes, it sounds bad but insects leave parts of themselves laying around.
Discarded wings, scales, and limbs are common if you have an infestation. Keeping your home free of these unwanted spare parts may be your first instinct, but make sure you contact a professional. These body parts will help them determine what types of pests are invading your space.
6. Bite Marks and Holes in Walls
Mice are one of the most common pests to invade homes. These creatures are not shy and don't mind leaving you their calling card.
Rats and mice chew on almost anything. This includes cereal boxes in your pantry or electrical wires throughout the home. They also chew holes in walls, floors, and ceilings.
If you are finding strange signs of chewing then most likely you have mice. Contacting a pest control team will help you alleviate this issue and provide tips for keeping these creatures out of your home in the future.
7. Nesting
Mice and rats also love making themselves at home. If you notice small piles of torn paper or possibly insulation in your attic you've found a rat's nest.
Nests are more common when mice are breeding. This allows the mother to have an area where they feel safe to give birth. Once this happens though, then you have a full family running rampant in your home.
Rodents will use anything they find lying around to build their homes. Unfortunately, when it gets to this level, taking care of the problem yourself gets harder.
8. Noises in the Wall
Lots of pests can make a home inside your walls. When you hear strange scratching or tapping, most likely you have pests.
Mice travel through the walls to avoid detection while they scavenge for food. You may not hear one mouse, but if you have a healthy population, the scurrying may become unnerving.
Termites also take up residence inside a home's walls. These pests spend their time eating and often make an odd tapping sound. Unfortunately, termite colonies can get quite large and if you hear these sounds, you already need professional services.
9. Sawdust Piles
We've all been told that carpenter bees won't hurt you, but they are still troublesome pests. These bees burrow in the wood surrounding your home and can leave quite the mess behind them.
Carpenter bees are notorious for returning year after year. If you see piles of sawdust lying around, they've taken up residence and need a professional eviction notice.
10. Anthills Near Your Home
Spotting an anthill outside may not instantly trigger your inner alarm, but it should. Simply knocking down anthills in your yard isn't the answer. These tiny creatures are persistent.
Ants can be a huge nuisance outside of the home. Just imagine what it's like once they're inside. If you want to avoid issues with ants invading your pantry, watch for those anthills.
11. Fluttering in the Attic
Have you ever been asleep at night and heard the flutter of wings in the attic or inside your walls? This is an unsettling occurrence that often indicates bats are on your property.
Bats are notorious for finding tucked-away places to hide during the day so they can explore the world at night. Bats are secretive creatures and don't let their presence be known easily. If you hear them, reach out for pest solutions from a professional.
12. Spots on Your Mattress
Bed bugs have become one of the most troubling pests to deal with. Living life as tiny hitchhikers, bed bugs can be transported on almost anything. Often, that's how they find their way inside people's homes.
If you notice spots on your mattress or wake up with unexpected bites after a good night's sleep, bed bugs may be your attacker.
Bed bugs leave trails of feces on mattresses that appear as dark spots. If you've been bitten during the night, check the seams of your mattress for these trails. If seen, contact the professionals immediately as bed bugs are difficult to remove.
13. Weakened Walls or Floors
Termites do a lot of damage to a home. When infested with these insects, walls and floors may weaken.
Peeling paint is one of the biggest indicators of termites living inside your walls. If you haven't experienced water damage or other issues to cause your paint to peel a professional inspection may be needed.
While enjoying your home's wooden aspects, termites may weaken your floors. When walking through your home, if you hear creaks in the floorboards that are new, it's time to take a look. Termites are notorious for the damage they cause to property.
14. Missing Objects
Remember when we mentioned mice nesting in your home? One of their favorite ways of building those nests is by borrowing items from your home.
Random things like pieces of fabric, socks, or even the stuffing from your pillow can be used by rats and mice. These things may not be noticeable at first, but over time, it becomes more prominent. If you find a nest in your home, expect to see a few of your personal items hidden amongst the clutter.
15. Pest Control in the Area
Pest issues can travel. This is especially true in apartment buildings or neighborhoods where homes are close together. If you spot pest control services in the area, prepare for an issue.
Professional pest control services go above and beyond for their clients. Unfortunately, even they can't stop the unwanted traveling or certain pests. Being preventative may be the answer if you see local pest control servicing your neighborhood.
Choosing the Right Pest Control Services
If any of these signs are alarming, then you may be in need of pest control. It's okay though. Requiring pest control services is common for most homes.
Finding the right pest control team for your home is a bit scary. You want a professional team, like those at callmybugguy.com, with the proper tools and experience. Still, you want to be able to afford the services you need.
Comparison shopping is great when it comes to these types of services but don't let pricing become more important than results.
When it comes to the right pest control solutions for your home, you want results. Checking online reviews can give you an idea of what your local exterminators have done for others. If you seem satisfied with those results, then reach out.
At the time of your inspection, ask the questions you need. Get a complete list of actions being taken and the pricing. This will help you stay on top of your finances while eliminating your pest problem.
Are You in Need of Pest Control Services?
Now that you know what to look for you can decide if you need pest control assistance in your home. Reach out, make that contact, and get your issues under control.
If you're looking for more helpful tips and tricks for keeping your home in great working order, check out our blog. We offer insights to help you make the most out of your living space.
