When Is A Pest Problem An Infestation?
Similar to humans, pests need food, water and shelter. However, unlike us, pests assume they can get all those things for free by hiding in the dark spaces of your home. We’ve all come across one or two unwelcome guests, but how can we tell when those crawling freeloaders have officially moved in?
Here are some ways you can identify a pest infestation in your home:
Droppings
Rodents often leave droppings behind, and because of their size, the droppings are often noticeable, especially if there are a lot of mice, rats, or other unwanted guests in your home.
Bugs and insects leave droppings behind as well, although they might not be as noticeable. For example, termites leave behind piles of tiny brown pellets. If you find evidence of termite or other insect droppings, it could be a sign of a pest infestation in your home.
Bad Smells
Different pests give off different odors. If your home isn’t smelling as fresh as it used to, and you’re not sure why, pests may be the cause. Bedbugs have a sweet, almost nauseating odor, while cockroaches leave behind an oily, must smell. When it comes to rodents, mice leave a musty, urine smell (from their droppings and urine) while rat urine and droppings smell like ammonia.
If you can smell bugs in your home, it is not a good sign, as it means that they are already inside causing problems.
Wood Damage
Though small in size, large numbers of bugs cause major structural damage to your home if you let them. Piles of sawdust, peeling paint, hallow-sounding wood and tunnels or holes in the wood of your home could all be signs of a termite or carpenter ant infestation. Termites will cause damage to the structure of your home, usually in crawlspace, basements, and attics.
Damage to Your Home and Plants
If you notice damage to your walls, fabric in your home (such as curtains or fabric couches), or even plants, it might be a sign that you have an insect problem. Moths, for example, can damage clothing and other fabric by laying eggs that hatch and feed off of the materials.
Webs and Egg Sacks
If you notice spiders setting up shop in the corners of your rooms, it’s probably a good idea to check the bottoms and backs of your furniture for egg sacks. These small, round white sacks can hold thousands of little spiders that could lead to a full-on invasion in your home.
Tracks and Markings
Many insects and rodents move along the same paths, so you can actually see where they’ve been. Mice and rats often run along your walls, so check out your baseboards for oily stains or streaks. You can also look on the floor along the wall for urine trails or droppings.
Cockroaches often leave behind reddish-brown streaks, so check out your bathroom and kitchen floors for these telltale signs. It’s easier to identify the markings and tracks of rodents, but if pay enough attention, you can see them from insects as well.
Unexplained Noises
Mice and rats typically make noise at night, either in your walls or running around your home, but other insects can be heard as well. You might hear cockroaches running across your floors at night, especially in the kitchen or bathroom. Other insects may be in the walls, and when there are large numbers, you may hear them.
Recognize the Signs of a Bug Infestation Right Away and Call Us Without Delay!
The sooner you recognize the signs of a bug infestation, the sooner you can address it. Not only can pests cause structural damage, but they can also spread disease and bacteria and pose a threat to you and your family. Not to mention, pests are typically not the type of guests that most people want in their homes.
Contact us for Your Pest Control Needs!
If you find that you are having a problem with bed bugs, rodents, termites, or other pests and need an exterminator, call Alexandria Pest Services at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office! Contact us today to learn more.
