The thought of pests invading your home is not one you want to have. Pests are a nuisance, whether they affect your health, your food, your home, or are simply hard to eradicate. Even the most well-kept and cleaned homes can have pest problems. If you’re worried about unwelcome guests staying in your house, here are some ways to spot signs of pests in your home.
Droppings
As unpleasant as it may be, one easy way to determine whether a pest is in your home is droppings. Roaches leave behind droppings that resemble ground pepper. Mice and rats leave trains of droppings that look like brown grains of rice. Termites also leave droppings that are a little trickier to spot. They may look like sawdust or wood particles, so don’t overlook what you think may be an innocent mess left behind from a DIY project.
Dead bugs
Check for dead bugs in window sills, basement, attic, and garage. These are all more-easily accessible places for pests because they are closer to being outside. If you have a serious pest problem, or one that may be getting started, checking these locations first is a good idea.
Nesting
Rodent infestations are one of the most worrisome, but luckily, they leave behind lots of clues. Mice and rats are prone to nesting. Check your home for piles of shreds of paper, fabric, insulation, etc. You can also sometimes hear scurrying little feet in the walls, so keep an ear out if you think you may have a rodent roommate.
Odd smells
Different pests have different odors. Bed bugs have a sweet, musty odor. Mice infestations can have a urine smell, and rats smell like ammonia. Roaches have been said to have an “oily” smell. Any strong, musty odor could be a sign of these pests living in your home.
Damaged wood
You may know that termites can cause structural damage to your home since they destroy wood. To recognize a termite problem, listen for hollow-sounding wood and keep an eye out for sagging floors or decayed wood in your porch or attic, where wood may be exposed.
Mole holes and ant hills
Ants and moles leave pretty distinct trails. Take a walk around your property to see if you have any signs of ants or moles. Both mole holes and ant hills have fresh soil piled atop the ground, so they should stand out against your lawn.
Damaged landscaping
Areas of grass that are “randomly” brown, leaves that have partially decayed, or grass blades that appear to have been gnawed on or ripped can all be signs of pests on your lawn. With these clues, you’ll be able to find most pest problems before they become major pest problems. If you notice any of these issues around your home, be sure to give May Exterminating a call for a thorough, professional inspection to create an effective plan for your needs.
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