Every year, about 2.9% of Americans have to deal with a pest infestation in their home.
From bed bugs to mice, many different types of pests can invade the residences of unwitting homeowners. And, while not every home infestation presents a serious threat to the health of you, your family, and your pets, they can become a major problem.
That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to the signs of an infestation and know what to do if you see any of them. Let’s jump in.
1. Presence of Droppings
Droppings are one of the most certain signs of an infestation in your home. Depending on the type of pest present, droppings can vary in size, shape, and color.
Rodents may leave larger droppings that resemble black beans. While birds may leave finer, grain-like, or cylindrical droppings. And cockroaches, flies, or other smaller insects may leave droppings that are even less distinguishable.
In general, if you suspect that droppings are from pests, it’s important to locate the source of the droppings. Droppings not only pose a hygiene risk, but they can also be a sign of a more serious infestation.
2. Musty or Strange Odors
The damp, musty odor is often from the presence of mice, rats, or other animals who are nesting in walls or other tight, enclosed areas. It may also signal a dead rat or mouse, leading to a much worse odor.
In addition, certain pests like cockroaches and moths can emit an unpleasant musty odor. If you suspect the odor is coming from pests, contact an exterminator immediately to take care of your pest issues.
3. Holes in Walls
These can be small, and hard to see, or quite large depending on the pest causing the holes. Common pests like rodents will chew or gnaw on wallboards, insulation, and other materials found between wall studs or other areas. Subterranean termites and other insects can tunnel through wallboards as well to find food or create nests.
4. Gnawed Food
Holes in your food packaging are a surefire way of indicating a pest that wishes to have your food for itself. Depending on the pest, the food item might also have trails of saliva and other bodily fluids, which you can see under the microscope.
Additionally, if the pest is local wildlife then possible scat or droppings may also be present. It’s best to call pest control to identify the source and get rid of the infestation. This will ensure that the pest responsible for the gnawed food is identified quickly.
5. Bitten Plants
While plants can take to stress in a variety of ways, sudden wilting and graying in plant leaves could be an indicator of a pest problem. This is also the case if a plant’s leaves or stems have also been chewed through or eaten away.
Also pay attention to small, circular holes in leaves or stalks. If you see them, it likely means invasive household pests are making their home in your plants.
Remedy Your Pest Infestation ASAP
Pests can cause a multitude of problems, from health risks to property damage. If your home experiences any of the signs of a pest infestation, it is important to get a professional to assess the issue immediately.
So contact a local pest control specialist today to help remedy the problem. Ensure that your home is kept pest-free to protect the health of your loved ones.
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