Dealing with pests is one of the biggest nightmares of every homeowner. These little creatures invade your home from tiny openings, they cause all kinds of damage, and they can even hurt your health, among other things.
But, how do you know if it is just one insect or a big population of them hiding around? Do you take care of things yourself, or call in the pros?
To give you an idea, here are some signs that you need to hire pest control services as soon as possible.
1. Unusual Noises in the Walls or Attic
One of the easiest signs to spot a pest problem is strange noises. If you have heard any scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds, especially at night, you could have a pest problem.
Rodents like rats and mice are make these noises as they move around in search of food and shelter. Fortunately, professional pest control services can assess the situation and provide effective solutions to remove these pests from your home.
2. Visible Signs of Damage
Another clear sign of a pest infestation is damage to your property.
For instance, having a termite infestation can mean that the wood, flooring, and even the wallpaper in your home will be chewed through and the structural integrity will be compromised. Similarly, rodents might gnaw on wires, which can lead to potential fire hazards. Even pests like ants can cause issues like contaminating food, biting you, and creating unsightly trails across your counters and floors.
Since the damage is not always immediately apparent, you should get a professional to inspect your home and identify hidden problems that need addressing.
3. Droppings and Urine
Another clear, yet incredibly disgusting sign is noticing droppings and urine stains around your home. If you find any droppings or urine stains around your home, it is a clear sign that you have a pest problem.
Rodent droppings are typically small, dark pellets that are often found in cupboards, under sinks, or along baseboards. On the other hand, cockroach droppings look like coffee grounds or black pepper.
These droppings can pose serious health risks because they can carry diseases and bacteria. For instance, rodent droppings can spread Hantavirus, which is a potentially life-threatening disease.
Since cleaning everything can be hazardous, you should consider contacting a pest control service to safely and effectively handle the problem.
4. Health Issues
If you or anyone in your family has allergies or asthma, then you might have some health trouble when pests like cockroaches and pests are in your house.
Many pests can also carry diseases; for example, ticks can spread Lyme disease, and mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus and Zika virus. That is why if you or any family members start experiencing unexplained health issues such as respiratory problems, skin rashes, or allergic reactions, it could be due to a pest infestation. Luckily, you can call professional large acreage fire ant control services to identify and eliminate the pests.