Removing pests from your home can be costly, but some of this cost can be offset if the problem is discovered early. If pests are left to their own devices, they multiply rapidly causing your problem to get worse. For this reason, it’s important to know the warning signs of a pest problem so that you can address it right away.
1. Location
In general, you should keep an eye out for pests everywhere as a preventative measure, but there are a few crucial areas discussed below.
The kitchen is probably the most likely place you’ll see signs of pests because there is a lot of piping that leads to the kitchen making it an ideal access point for pests. Also, food is store in the kitchen which is a main reason why pests enter homes.
Any other rooms with appliances will have ample piping, just like the kitchen, these areas will be prone to pest activity too. Laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements and attics are all examples of rooms that are likely to inhabit pests because of the easy access through pipes.
Lastly, the garage is another likely place where pests will reside because it’s easy for pests to enter. Fortunately, having pests in your garage is not an immediate cause for concern because it’s not a serious health risk and could merely be an indication of pests residing around your home, not in it. If you do have pests in your garage, take preventative measures to ensure they don’t enter your home, such as sealing cracks.
2. Noise
Now that you’re familiar with the common areas that pests reside in homes, it’s time to identify the signs that they are in your home. Pests are quiet, but are not silent by any means, they are most active and noisy at night.
If you’re concerned about pests, listen in the evening by putting your ear against the wall cavities, this is a common place for pests to hide out. Any other idle, remote crawl space in your home could be a hideout place for pests too. If you hear any “pitter patter” noises, you definitely have pests in your house.
3. Smell
Musty odors are an indication of a pest problem and should be further investigated. In general, if you smell anything unusual despite your house being squeaky clean, you should look into what the source of the smell is as it could be pests.
4. Nesting
When a pest enters a home, it will likely want to stay there because it is warm, has food and water, and it is a safe spot away from predators. All of this means reproduction, indicating the pest will want to nest in your home since babies means their stay will be long term.
Usually, pests nest in darker, low traffic areas of your home, such as behind appliances or in wall cavities. Signs of musty smell discussed above usually means nesting.
5. Damaged Furniture and Wiring
If you noticed furniture or wiring has been gnawed at, you absolutely have a rodent issue because they will chew at anything. Rodents don’t stop at furniture and wiring, they will chew at almost anything including pipes, insulation, wood and plastic.
If you notice chew marks in your home, be sure to do a thorough inspection of your whole home. This will help you identify the entry points and nesting areas ultimately helping you handle the problem.
6. Droppings
Pests leave behind droppings, urine and fecal matter, if you find some in your home, proceed with caution. Droppings don’t surely indicate that pests reside in your home, only that they’ve passed through. Make sure to clean the contaminated area thoroughly because droppings can contain dangerous bacteria and viruses.
