No one wants to find out they have a pest problem. Unfortunately, pests are more common than most people realize, especially in a country filled with wildlife. The good news is that there are some telltale signs of a pest infestation that you can watch out for. If you know what to look for, you can nip the problem before it gets too out of hand.
Unusual noises
If you start hearing scurrying or scratching sounds from your walls or ceilings, it indicates you have a pest problem. These noises are usually most noticeable at night when everyone in your household is trying to sleep. However, if you’re hearing them during the day, it could be a sign that the infestation is particularly bad.
Droppings around your home
Another surefire sign that you have a pest problem is if you start finding droppings around your home. These could be mouse droppings, rat droppings, cockroach droppings, etc. Finding one or two isolated instances may not be cause for alarm, but if you’re finding droppings regularly, it’s time to take action.
Signs of gnawing or chewing
Rats, mice, and other pests are known for gnawing on wood and other materials to create nests or simply because they’re looking for something to eat. If you start seeing chewed holes in your woodwork or furniture, it’s a good indication that you have a rodent problem. Similarly, if you find chewed-up food packaging or any other signs that something has been gnawing on your belongings, you might have multiple pests inside your home.
Unexplained bites or stings
If you start getting bites or stings out of nowhere, you may have an insect infestation—particularly if the bites or stings seem to happen at night while you’re asleep. Bedbugs are particularly notorious for this, but other insects like fleas and mosquitoes can also bite without being noticed right away.
Strange smells
If you notice strange smells emanating from your walls or ceilings—particularly musty smells—you may have a dead animal somewhere in your home (eek!). This is most common in homes with attics or crawlspaces because these are the places where animals often die after making their way into homes through cracks and crevices.
If you’ve ever had a pest infestation in your home, you know just how annoying and disruptive it can be. Some pests, like rodents and cockroaches, can even pose a health hazard to you and your family. The good news is that you can take some simple steps to eliminate pests. Here are five of the most effective ways to deal with a pest infestation:
Identify the source
The first step in getting rid of pests is to figure out where they’re coming from. Are they coming in through cracks in the foundations? Or are they sneaking in through holes in screens? Once you know how they’re getting in, you can take steps to seal those entry points and prevent them from coming back.
Remove any food sources
Pests attract food, so one of the best ways to eliminate them is to remove anything that might be drawing them. This means keeping your counters clean, sweeping up crumbs, and regularly taking out the trash. You should also consider storing food in airtight containers so that pests can’t smell it and be tempted to come inside.
Use traps and bait stations
Traps and bait stations are an effective way to get rid of pests like rats, mice, and cockroaches. Bait stations lure pests inside with food or water, then trap them so they can’t get out. This effectively reduces the population of pests in your home over time.
Call in reinforcements
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still not seeing results, it’s time to call in reinforcements in the form of professional pest control services. Pest control companies can access more powerful pesticides and traps that quickly eliminate even the most stubborn infestations.
Prevent future infestations
Once you’ve finally gotten rid of your current infestation, you must take steps to prevent another one from happening again. Here are some options for doing that.
Install a fence
A fence can ensure your home is safe from big pests like rats and raccoons. It also looks great and can increase your home’s curb appeal. If you don’t know how to install a fence, consider contacting your local fence contractor. They know the kind of fence that can prevent pest infestations and even install it for you.
Use pest-repellentpPlants
Certain plants act as natural pest repellents. These include lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. Planting these around your home can help to keep pests away.
Keep Your House Clean
A clean house is less likely to attract pests. This means regular vacuuming, sweeping, and taking out the trash regularly. Consider investing in a robotic vacuum if you don’t have time to vacuum yourself.
Pest infestations can be frustrating, but there are some simple steps you can take to get rid of them for good. However, by taking these steps, you can keep your home free of pests all year round!
