The most frustrating thing about pests is that you often don’t realize they have moved in. Insects are tiny and tend to use small cracks and crevices to invade your home. Larger pests, such as mice or rats, are nocturnal so their nighttime movements often go unnoticed. When you partner with Smithereen you can proactively safeguard your home or business from pest and insect populations.
Some of the more common pest infestations include:
- rats
- mice
- cockroaches
- ants
- termites
Left unchecked, pest and insect infestations can really get the better of your home. And, not only do pests endanger your home but also the health of those inside. Here are some helpful tips to keep your eyes and ears attuned to some of the typical infestation warning signs.
Droppings and Odors
Most insects and pests leave a tell-tale indication of their presence with their droppings. If you notice a collection of unknown droppings within your home you should go on alert for a potential pest infestation. If you see droppings, look in the vicinity for other pest or insect warning signs to identify a nest location or pathway into your home. Obviously, once droppings start to amass, they will also develop a stronger smell. In some cases, you may notice a smell before you notice droppings.
Holes, Crevices and Tracks
Any gaps in the foundation or access points to your garage or home make it easy for pests to come and go as they please. Even a small existing hole might be an invitation for a pest to dig a little deeper and burrow straight into your home. Such activity may create smaller piles of dirt or other materials, so pay attention to both the exterior and interior of your home and garage for these warning signs. Additionally, as insects and pests move around in search of water, food and mates they may also leave tracks that show their movement. These tracks can also be helpful in identifying how pests may have entered or exited your home.
Sounds and Activity
Larger pests, such as rats, mice and raccoons tend to be most active at night. This means that you’re more likely to notice critter-like sounds such as whining, squeaking, scratching or scurrying as you settle down for the night or if you are awake in the middle of the night. Typically, these types of sounds come from an area such as the walls or attic – these spaces are typically not frequented by humans and can sometimes provide an easy pest access point to your home. To check for a presence of pests, make sure to look in:
- crawlspaces
- attics
- any places where you heard sounds coming from
Out of Place Materials
Pests and insects tend to build nest in places that are sheltered. Often, this is within walls or behind appliances, but generally pests will make a home anywhere they won’t be disturbed. Insects, such as termites and ants, will build their homes with natural materials such as mud or sand. Larger pests, like mice and rats, however, may ‘borrow’ your things to make their nest. For example, mice may shred furniture or other fabrics to build their nest, tear out insulation or use any other materials they can find.
Pests try very hard to remain inconspicuous when moving into our homes. But, if you can keep a look out for these common warning signs, you’ll be in a better position to take immediate action against any threats and keep your home pest and insect free.
What Should I Do When I See Warning Signs Of Pests?
First time occurrences for smaller pests like ants, roaches, rodents, and small wasp nests can often be removed with store-bought pesticides or traps. It is not recommended that you attempt to remove larger wasp nests and bee colonies in order to prevent personal injury.
Depending on the amount of warning signs you notice and the time frame, you may need a pest control service for your home or business. We also recommend you seek a professional service for signs of larger pests, like raccoons and skunks, since these animals present greater potential harm. These larger creatures often have families to contend with as well.