7 Tip Offs That It’s Time to Call Pest Control

pest control

Most of the time, infestations come on quickly––often without any notice––and suddenly it’s too late. Identifying the early signs of an infestation and taking action immediately can save you a lot of money and frustration. But how do you know if an infestation warrants a visit from your friendly neighborhood pest control? 

Here are a few signs that it’s time to put down the bug spray and pick up the phone to call professional pest control technicians. 

#1: You See Pests

The most obvious sign of an infestation is if you see the pests themselves taking up space in your home. This includes insects and larvae––dead or alive. The more pests you see in your home, the more likely it is that there’s a bigger problem under the surface. If you’re noticing pests during the day especially, it’s time you call pest control. 

#2: You See Other Signs of Life

The second most obvious sign that you’re on the verge of an infestation (or already there) is finding droppings, shed skin, etc. left behind from pests. Insects and rodents are excellent at hide-and-seek, but will leave behind trails of shed body parts, droppings, grease marks, scratches, and fur that will give away their hiding spots. 

#3: You Find Gnaw Marks on Food Packaging

Like humans, pests need shelter, water, and food to survive––your home is the ideal location for all three. If you’ve noticed any gnaw marks or holes in your food packaging, it’s a sign that pests (specifically rodents) are trying to find a free meal. 

#4: You Find Structural Damage

Sharing your home with family members might seem like a hassle at times, but sharing your home with pests is even more frustrating––and gross! Termites and rodents are two of the top offenders that leave the most structural damage in their wake. Termites will burrow their way into wood surfaces, flooring, and beams. Rodents, on the other hand, will chew through wires and leave holes throughout the walls in your home––all while leaving behind fresh droppings. Ew!

#5: You Hear Pests

Most insects move stealthily throughout your home––not making a peep. But sometimes rodents can get rowdy. They are mostly nocturnal, so if you hear scratching and clawing noises within the walls or ceiling at night, it’s probably not your imagination. 

#6: You Find Nests and Hives in Your Home

It’s not enough for pests to simply hangout inside of your house. Many of them will really make themselves at home by bringing their home along with them. Rodents, like mice and rats, will use paper and other debris to make nests, which is where you’ll find their litter of babies. Insects like termites will build tunnels and nests in hidden places throughout your home––seemingly undetected. 

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. 

#7: You Smell Something…Strange

Another joy of having unwanted pests in your home is the smells they bring along with them! When an infestation is already a problem, you’re likely to smell a wide variety of strange things. Seasoned pest control professionals can often diagnose the problem from the smell alone. A few examples include:

  • Urine, ammonia-like smells (generally caused by rodents)
  • Musty, slightly sweet smells (often caused by bed bugs)
  • An oily smell (commonly caused by roaches)

The unappealing smells are bad enough on their own, and these unpleasant odors can also be a calling card for other pests. 

Have you noticed one or more of the signs above in your home? It’s likely you have a big problem on your hands. Don’t wait around until it’s too late––call our pest control technicians today, and we’ll take care of any type of infestation, big or small.