Possessing a pest problem doesn’t mean that your home is unlivable; it just means you have more work to do on your upkeep. In fact, a lot of pests are actually helpful in their own way. Some help control the population of other pests, while others provide nutrients for the soil that would otherwise be unavailable. What makes them a problem is when they begin to interfere with humans or their belongings. If you see evidence of pests in your home, there are ways you can deal with it yourself – and things you should do immediately to get professional assistance. Here are some signs you need pest control services:
Live and dry rodent nesting materials
Rodents, such as mice and rats, will leave behind any nesting materials they used to build their nests. Live nesting materials will be more gray or brown in color, whereas dry nesting materials will be brown or black. While live materials can be removed by yourself, the goal is to prevent them from returning. If you find dry nesting materials, it means the rodents are still in your house and you need to get pest control services immediately.
Unexplained stains on your ceiling or floor
If there is a sudden, unexplained discoloration on your ceiling or floor, it could be coming from an insect infestation. Some pests, like roaches and ants, will excrete a substance as they digest their food. While the amount of excrement will depend on their numbers, if you see stains on your ceiling or floor, you need to call for pest control services immediately.
Ongoing smells that are reminiscent of rotting food
While the occasional odor from insects or rodents is normal, a constant stench in your home is likely a sign of an infestation. What you smell depends on the type of pests you have, so start by making a list of what pests are in your area. Next, open your windows to get an idea of what’s causing the smell inside your home. If you can’t find the source of the odor, or you can’t manage to get rid of it, you should call an exterminator.
Excessive amounts of droppings, particularly in one area
Excessive droppings are another sign of live rodents in your home. While droppings alone don’t mean you have an infestation, they are a clear sign of rodent presence. If you see a lot of droppings in one particular room or area of your home, you may have a nest nearby. Although you can often find and remove nests, live rodents may be nearby, making it hard for you to eradicate the infestation yourself.
A sudden abundance of insects
If you see an increase in the number of insects in your home, you may have an infestation. Insects can find their way into your home through a crack in the foundation or by flying in through an open window. Most insects are harmless, but some can bite or spread disease. If you are seeing more than one or two insects, call for pest control services immediately.
Final thoughts
If you see evidence of pests in your home, don’t panic. While pests are annoying, they are also fairly easy to get rid of. The first thing you should do is make a list of the pests you think you have so you know what to look for when you’re trying to get rid of them. Then, you can start taking steps to get rid of the pests yourself, or call for professional assistance if you find you need help.
