Did you know that the Earth is home to an estimated 5.5 million insect species? So, it’s no wonder they account for about 80% of all animal life on the planet.
Most of those insects, in turn, are beneficial or harmless. Only about 1% to 3% ever classify as pests.
That’s still a lot, though, especially if some have invaded your home.
Fortunately, you can count on pest control professionals during infestations. However, you first need to know when to call them for help.
We’ve listed the top indications it’s time for professional pest control below, so read on.
Table of Contents
1. Bug Bites and Stings Abound
According to researchers, about 94.5% of people get stung at least once by Hymenoptera insects. These include ants, bees, hornets, and wasps.
Most patients only develop local skin reactions from Hymenoptera bites. However, some also experience side effects in other body parts outside the sting site. A few even succumb due to severe immune responses.
Other insects, such as bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, also bite or sting. Their activities also cause adverse effects, such as swelling, itchiness, and redness.
Sound and feel familiar? If so, it’s best to learn more about and contact pest control companies servicing your area. The sooner you do, the sooner you can hire professionals to identify and remove what’s bugging you.
2. Foul Smells
Stink bugs often stay outdoors, but they can sometimes go indoors. And if you get too near them, they will consider you a threat and emit a strong, pungent odor. You might not immediately see them, but you’ll know they’re there because of their smell.
Likewise, rodents, including mice and rats, smell horrible, like sewers mixed with ammonia. And if they die somewhere in your home, you can expect their bodies to release the stench of decay.
On the other hand, roaches carry an odor reminiscent of rancid oil. However, if what you smell is more earthy or moldy, then what you might have are termites.
If you notice such odors and can’t tell where they’re coming from, you’re likely dealing with pests. In that case, don’t delay calling professional pest control services.
3. Weird Noises
Noises in the attic, ceiling, basement, air ducts, or walls can indicate rodents. Their sounds usually include crawling, gnawing, scratching, and squeaking.
If you hear such noises, contact a pest removal professional ASAP. Those gnawing sounds you hear might be them munching away on electrical wires. If left to their own devices, they can trigger house fires.
4. Smear Marks
Many household pests can leave trail marks as they move about while excreting feces.
For example, mice and rats pee and poop while they eat. Thus, they can smear their fresh droppings as they skitter and climb. These marks are usually black or brown and smell awful.
Bed bugs are another example; these critters also defecate after having a blood meal. And because they consume blood, their feces consist of digested blood. Their droppings can then appear as red dots when wet or rust-colored once dry.
Call a pest control company as soon as you notice such telling signs. That gives the pros enough time to stop the vermin from causing even more havoc.
Never Delay Necessary Pest Control Services
Remember: while many pests are more of a nuisance, some bring disease and death. For instance, rodents directly transmit 14 diseases, many of which can be life-threatening. Moreover, insect bites and stings can cause deadly anaphylaxis.
All that should be enough to prompt you to call a pest control service as soon as you notice signs of infestation.
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