Despite the stealthy nature of pest invasions, subtle evidence of infestation can be revealed through gnaw marks or discarded droppings. Accurate identification of these signs of a pest problem is key to preserving the integrity and comfort of a living space.
Dealing with a severe pest problem require immediate attention to avert severe damage, contamination and loss of productivity. Learn the 5 Signs Your Home Needs Immediate Pest Intervention.
1. Strange Smells
Our homes hold a variety of smells from everyday use, but when it becomes apparent that there is a strong odor permeating your home, the most likely cause is a pest infestation. Rodent droppings emit a foul, ammonia-like odor, cockroaches leave behind a lingering vinegary scent, and termites and other insects may shed their wings or skin as they make their way through the wood in your walls. These odors are difficult to get rid of and can quickly wreak havoc on your home and health.
Odd sounds are another common sign of pest invasions. Scurrying and scratching noises in the walls, ceiling, and floors can often be heard during the night as some pests are nocturnal. Other sounds that you may hear include chirping or squeaking, which can indicate that there is a nest in the area.
It’s also a good idea to check your home for dark smudges in hard-to-reach areas. Rodents and some insects like roaches tend to track their path with greasy marks, so they may leave behind a sticky residue. These marks can be hard to spot, especially when they’re surrounded by other dirt and dust.
Other signs of a pest infestation include unexplained holes in the walls, gnawed or chewed wood, and the presence of discarded wings or skin. After swarming and mating, many types of insects discard their wings in the cracks and crevices of your home. When you notice these discarded wings or skin, it’s a sure sign of an infestation. If you see these signs around your home, it’s important to call a professional right away to prevent the problem from getting worse and possibly causing further damage to your property.
2. Wood Damage
If your home is constructed with wood, it’s important to keep a close eye on any damage to the structure. This can be a telltale sign of pest infestations, which can result in structural damage and potential health risks. Look for holes in walls, chewed wires, and gnaw marks on furniture and wooden materials. While these are more obvious signs, it’s also crucial to check for other forms of damage.
A responsible homeowner will recognize when their wood is infested by pests and take the necessary steps to address it. It’s essential to know the difference between a termite problem and wood rot, as both are harmful to wood and can lead to significant structural damage if left untreated.
Termite damage often appears as dark, tunnel-like spots on the surface of wood, while wood rot typically occurs in damp areas and causes the surface of wood to appear discolored and have a musty, earthy odor. Wood rot is caused by a wood-decaying fungus that consumes cellulose and lignin, which causes the wood to soften and shrink into cube-like shapes. Both rot and termite damage may leave mud tubes behind, though it’s easy to differentiate between the two by their damaged pattern and spongy texture.
If you suspect that you have a rot or termite problem, it’s best to call in the experts to ensure that the problem is treated quickly before it spreads to other parts of your house. Infestations that go untreated can destroy entire structures and compromise the stability of your foundation, so it’s essential to act as soon as you notice any sign of an infestation. A pest control specialist will use the right equipment to eliminate the pests and repair any damage.
3. Strange Sounds
It is always a heart-pounding experience when homeowners suddenly hear unexplained sounds coming from their walls or attic. Strange tapping noises, squeaking, and scraping sounds are often associated with pest infestations. These sounds usually occur at night when rodents are most active, but may happen during the day as well. Rats and mice make scratching sounds and may also create whistling or chirping noises. In addition, if you hear growling or grunting noises, this is likely a sign of a more serious infestation problem.
Gnawing or chewing sounds may also be heard when pests are inside the home. These sounds indicate that rodents like mice are chewing on wires, wood, and insulation to build nests or search for food. This is a dangerous situation that needs to be addressed immediately to avoid fire hazards. Other signs of a pest infestation include the presence of droppings or urine stains, gnaw marks, and nesting materials.
Flapping and fluttering sounds are also common signs of a bird or bat in the attic. These animals can enter the attic through vents or openings in the roof, and cause damage to drywall and insulation. It is best to seek professional pest control services as soon as you notice these sounds.
There are other things that can cause similar sounding sounds, such as creaking floorboards from the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, electric humming, and a rattling of air entering and exiting vents. However, the sounds are often louder and more persistent when they are associated with a pest infestation. It is important to listen carefully for these signs of a potential infestation so you can act quickly.
4. Discarded Wings and Skin
The indoor and outdoor environments are connected, so it’s not uncommon to encounter occasional spiders, ants, flies, or other common household pests. However, if these pests are present in high numbers or are consistently seen or heard, it’s time to call for professional services to regain control of your living space.
Pest infestations are usually caused by a combination of environmental and behavioral factors. For example, food contamination or lack of proper pantry storage can lure rodents and other pests to your home in search of food. Cluttered spaces, leaking faucets, or cracks in walls can also provide them with shelter. In addition, some pests are attracted to warm areas and cozy hiding places where they can establish nests.
It’s important to note that some pests exhibit seasonal activity patterns. For instance, winter is a popular time for pests like rats and mice to enter homes in search of warmth. On the other hand, summer is peak season for bloodsucking pests like flies, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Another sign of a pest infestation is the presence of discarded insect body parts. This could include gnaw marks, piles of wing fragments (known as frass), or discarded shells from termite swarmers. Piles of frass, which resemble tiny wood-colored pellets, often accumulate near infested areas or windowsills.
Likewise, hearing clicks or strange sounds can signal the presence of termites or other destructive insects. The ‘clicking’ sound is made when soldier termites bang their heads against damaged or infested wood to signal danger to their colony members. Other signs of a termite problem are mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, or dark spots on interior walls and floors. The best way to identify a termite problem is to contact a licensed pest control company for a thorough inspection and treatment of your property.
5. Unexplained Bites
If you wake up to itchy, red bumps on your skin or go to the pantry and discover a trail of tiny droppings in front of the cereal boxes, these are clear signs that you need to call for pest control services right away. In most cases, unexplained bites are a symptom of a spider, tick, bed bug, or flea infestation. These pests are known to carry diseases and may pose serious health risks if they bite humans.
Other physical damages like holes chewed into doors, furniture and electrical wiring, buckling or sagging wood, bubbling paint, and mud tubes on wooden walls are also signals of possible pest infestations. The kind of damage you find will depend on the kind of pest that’s invading your property. Rodents, for example, will leave a trail of destruction that involves books, fabrics, and drywall, while termites will only attack items made from untreated wood.
Finding the carcasses or body parts of any pests is an alarming sign that you’re dealing with a large-scale problem. This is particularly true for rodents, which are notorious for leaving blood-filled fecal material on mattresses, sheets, and other linens.
Inspecting secluded and dark areas on your property, such as crawl spaces and attics, is another clear sign of a pest infestation. Rodents and bugs build nests, hives, or other secluded structures to protect them from the elements, and they often stash these secluded spots in hard-to-reach places. Inspecting these areas for discarded nests, hives, or other debris is one of the most surefire ways to identify a pest infestation. For instance, rodent droppings are elongated and conical in shape, while insect droppings look more like tiny black dots.
