Tips
5 Signs You Have a Pest Problem (And What to Do About It)
Rufus Carter
Jun 6, 2024
8 Min Read
Nobody wants to believe they have a pest problem, but pests are sneaky. Sometimes, they leave subtle signs that can be easy to miss—until the situation gets out of hand! To help you catch pests early, here are five warning signs that might mean you’ve got some uninvited guests living rent-free in your home, plus what you can do to evict them!
1. Droppings and Urine
Pests aren’t known for their cleanliness, and they tend to leave behind a trail of droppings. If you notice tiny pellets in cupboards, under sinks, or along the baseboards, it could be a sign of rodents, roaches, or other pests. Rodent urine can also give off a strong, musty odor—so trust your nose, too!
What to Do:
Call a pest control expert right away to assess the situation and take action before the infestation worsens.
2. Strange Noises at Night
If you hear scratching, scurrying, or rustling in the walls or ceiling, it could be rodents or larger pests making themselves at home. Noises at night are particularly common since most pests are nocturnal.
What to Do:
Don’t ignore it! Rodents can chew through wires and insulation, causing damage. Call in the pros to locate the source and remove any unwanted visitors.
3. Nests or Webs
Pests like mice, rats, and spiders build nests or webs in hidden areas like attics, basements, and garages. If you stumble upon a messy pile of paper, fabric, or string, you might have a rodent nest on your hands. And if you’re finding cobwebs in corners more often than usual, spiders may have moved in.
What to Do:
Clean up the nests or webs and check for other signs of infestation. If they keep reappearing, it’s time to call a professional.
4. Damage to Your Home
Pests aren’t just annoying—they can also cause real damage to your home. Chewed wires, gnawed furniture, holes in walls, and damaged insulation are all signs that rodents or termites might be at work. Even small signs of damage should raise a red flag.
What to Do:
If you notice damage, act fast! Pests can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left unchecked, so call a pest control service to inspect and handle the problem.
5. Unexplained Allergies
Are you sneezing more than usual or experiencing other allergy symptoms out of the blue? Pests like cockroaches and rodents can trigger allergies through their droppings, shed skin, and saliva. If you or your family members are having sudden allergy flare-ups, pests might be to blame.
What to Do:
Keep your home clean and vacuum regularly, especially in corners and under furniture. If symptoms persist, it’s worth having your home checked by a pest control expert to eliminate the source.
Conclusion
Pests might be sneaky, but they’re not impossible to catch—if you know what to look for! Keep an eye out for these signs and don’t hesitate to bring in the pros if you suspect a pest problem. A little early action can save you from big headaches later on!
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Rufus Carter
Rufus has a 15-year knack for outsmarting the trickiest rodents in the pest control world. With his calm, methodical approach, he's the go-to expert for rodent strategies. His blog blends stories, helping homeowners feel confident about keeping pests at bay—maybe even having some fun along the way!