7 Signs: Know When It’s Time To Call Pest Control
Many of our clients call our Alabama pest control company not quite sure if they have a problem that warrants professional help. A lot of the time they made the right decision giving us a call. Some infestations can come on quickly. Identifying the early signs of an infestation and taking action right away can save you a lot of money and aggravation.
Here are seven signs that it’s time to call professional pest control technicians.
Sign #1 – You See the Pests Themselves
The most obvious sign that pests are in your home is seeing the pests themselves. This includes insect eggs and larvae. Whether they are alive or dead it’s an indicator there could be a bigger problem. The more you see the bigger the problem is. Seeing pests during the day is also a sign of a major problem.
Sign #2 – You See Signs of Life – Droppings, Shed Body Parts, Etc.
The second most obvious sign you’re on the verge of an infestation (or already there) is evidence left behind by pests. Insects and small rodents are good at hiding, but they can’t cover their trail. They’ll leave behind droppings, shed body parts, grease marks, scratches and fur as they scurry across your home. Be very careful if you spot droppings or urine because it can have dangerous pathogens.
Sign #3 – You See Gnaw Marks on Food Packaging
Like humans, pests need shelter, water and food. Your home can provide all three. If you’ve noticed gnaw marks or holes in food packaging that’s a sign pests are trying to get a meal. Rodents are top offenders. They actually have to gnaw on things to grind down their fast-growing teeth.
Sign #4 – You Find Structural Damage
Sharing your home with pests isn’t appealing for health and cleanliness reasons, but they can also cause serious economic damage. Termites and rodents are two of the top offenders. Termites will burrow their way into wood surfaces, flooring and beams while rodents can chew through wires and create holes throughout the home.
Sign #5 – You Hear Pests
Most insects will barely make a sound, but rodents can get noisy. They are mostly nocturnal so if you hear scratching and clawing within the walls or above in the ceiling at night it’s probably not your imagination.
Sign #6 – You Find Nests, Hives, Etc.
It’s not enough for pests to simply live inside your home. Many of them will make their own living space. Rats and mice will use paper and other debris to make nests, which is where you’ll find their litter of babies. Some insects will build hives, tunnels or colonies that serve as a home base. These homes within your home are always going to be in an out of the way spot like inside walls, within crevices, behind appliances and the far corner of the attic.
Sign #7 – You Notice Strange Smells
When an infestation is already a problem you’re likely to smell strange odors. Seasoned pest control professionals can often tell what the problem is just by the smell of the affected areas. A few examples include:
- Roaches have an oily smell
- Mice have a urine, ammonia-like smell
- Bed bugs have a musty, slightly sweet smell
It’s bad enough you have to deal with the smell, but odors could also attract other pests.
Have you noticed one or more of the signs above in your home? Then give Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. a call. We can do a thorough inspection before creating a custom pest control treatment plan to get rid of any type of infestation.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/home-pest-control/x-signs-know-time-call-pest-control/