When is the right time to have your home treated for pests? The best idea is to treat preventatively, but if you already suspect you have a pest problem you should contact a pest control company immediately. If you’re not sure if you have a pest problem, here are 5 signs to look for.
1. Sounds and Smells
One way to detect pests in your home is to be aware of any strange sounds or smells. Depending on the type of insect or rodent, you may hear sounds like scratching, gnawing, or squeaking. These sounds are most prevalent at night when pests are most active (safe from their daytime predators).
Odor or smell is another way you can detect pests in your home. Cockroaches, mice, and rats in particular leave behind odors due to their droppings. Cockroaches give off a musty, oily scent while mice and rats spread an ammonia smell through their urine.
2. Droppings
As mentioned in the last paragraph, a common sign that pests have invaded your home is droppings. A variety of pests will leave urine and droppings in your home. The most common rodents to leave droppings are mice and rats. If you find droppings in your home, chances are these pests have been making themselves at home.
3. Damage to Home
Another sign to be of a pest problem is any noticeable damage to your home. Here a few types of physical damage to be on the lookout for:
- Sawdust
- Holes
- Cracks
- Chewed Wires
- Scratches
- Gnaw Marks
4. Nests
Perhaps the most obvious sign, if you discover any nests or hives in your home, you need to schedule pest control services urgently. Mice and rats make nests in hidden areas such as drawers, walls, garages, etc. using paper, fabric, or trash.
Insects like bees and wasps construct hives within walls, ceilings, or attics. If you come across a hive inside your home, this means an entire colony could be living there and you need to call pest control right away.
5. Pest Sightings
Finally, if you notice a regular or increased presence of rodents or insects in your home, you are most likely experiencing an infestation. If this is your situation, please send us a message or call us today. It is our pleasure to serve and protect the Lebanon, Murfreesboro, Smyrna and surrounding areas from pests.