How many species of insects are there? Approximately 9 million. The good news is that most of them are harmless.
Some, however, are considered to be pests. Take cockroaches, for example, they can carry various diseases from typhoid fever to cholera. That’s not all, they’re also an asthma trigger.
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to keep the critters away.
First and foremost, you want to identify the pest infestation—only then will you be able to fix the problem. What are some signs that you should look for? Find out by reading the rest of this post!
Common Household Pests
Common household pests include ants, termites, mosquitos, cockroaches, silverfish, carpet beetles, and bed bugs. Given their size, they can easily enter the home through small openings around doors and windows.
Not only that, but rodents such as mice and rats can pose a problem as well.
5 Signs That You’re Dealing With a Pest Infestation
The sooner you act, the easier it’ll be to get rid of the pests. Here are a few signs to watch for.
1. Droppings
Look around your home. Do you notice any droppings? If so, you probably have a pest problem.
More often than not, you’ll be able to identify the critter based on their droppings. For example, rodent droppings tend to be conical in shape while insect droppings are much smaller.
2. Strange Odors
Household pests can cause strange odors. For example, cockroaches are often associated with a musty smell.
Not only that, but you might notice the smell of stale or rotten food. It’s often found in areas where they’re congregating in the house.
3. Gnaw Marks
Rodents tend to gnaw on wires and cables behind walls. Left untreated, it can easily cause a house fire. That’s not all, they can also be found in your pantry. For example, you might find gnaw marks on cardboard boxes.
4. Discarded Body Parts
Insects might leave behind body parts such as discarded wings, skin, or limbs. For example, you might find them on your window sills.
In cases like that, you’ll want to hire a professional as it indicates a mature infestation. They’ll follow the proper protocols so you won’t have to worry about the safety of pest control.
5. Strange Sounds
You may notice strange sounds coming from your house if you have a pest infestation. For instance, you might hear scratching, squeaking, whining, or scuttling noises.
More often than not, they’ll come from the walls or up in the attic.
Identifying a Pest Infestation
Pest infestations can lead to property damage if left untreated. That’s why it’s so important to identify the problem as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait for the situation to worsen before calling in a professional.
Are you looking for more household tips? Then be sure to visit the rest of our blog!
