Even if you do everything in your power to keep bugs and rodents out of your home, you will most likely have to deal with at least a few unwanted visitors and infestations over the years. Luckily, getting rid of an infestation is usually a relatively easy process as long as you catch the early warning signs and act right away.
Bite and Scratch Marks
While every pest is slightly different, many of those animals will bite or scratch various objects throughout a home. Rodents will often bite walls and floorboards in order to sharpen their teeth while insects could harvest those materials for food or nests. As soon as you notice any markings in your home, you should immediately call a pest control team who can thoroughly inspect every inch of your property.
Unusual Sounds
While practically every home will have a few unusual creaks and groans, you need to be wary of any repetitive sounds in the walls or attic. Those sounds are sometimes the result of bugs or rodents that are working their way around joists and studs in small crawl spaces. You might also hear buzzing or scratching sounds in the walls if you have any pests living inside your home.
Unpleasant Odors
Over time, many bugs and rodents will begin to give off unpleasant smells that are quite distinct. In some cases, those smells will seem like nothing more than stagnant water or wet fabric. Depending on what types of creatures are in your home, you might also notice the overwhelming smell of feces or urine. Even though it could be tempting to cover up those smells with cleaners or disinfectants, it is a better idea to address the root cause of the odors.
Droppings
As pests begin to build colonies and nests, they will most likely leave quite a few droppings around your home. For rodents, the droppings typically look like small black pellets that are slightly larger than the tip of a pencil. Cockroaches and other small animals produce droppings that are known as frass, this material will generally look like a small pile of dust near your baseboards or next to their food supply.
A pest infestation can make your life quite stressful, but you don’t have to live with any of those unwanted creatures in your home. With a little bit of diligence and some professional help, you can greatly reduce your risk of a serious infestation.