According to the 2019 American Housing Survey, 14 million Americans reported roach infestations. Additionally, 14.8 million homeowners reported rodent infestations.
Sometimes, pest infestations go unnoticed until they cause severe structural problems in the home. Some pests may also affect your health.
Pests are good at hiding, so you may not know they have invaded your home unless you spot the signs of infestation.
Here are five signs of a pest infestation in your home.
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1. Pest Droppings and Body Parts
If you suspect you have a pest problem, check for droppings in hidden places in your home, like the attic, cupboards, basement, and crawl space.
Insect droppings may look like dark or brown spots. Rat excrement looks like black pellets and is easy to spot.
Sometimes, insects leave behind body parts like wings and discarded skin in the areas they occupy. You may also notice roach eggshells and dead bugs.
2. Odd Noises and Smells
You may hear scurrying, scratching, and squeaking sounds as rodents move around the house searching for food. Termites produce a tapping sound as they bang their heads on the walls while eating the wood. You may also hear scuttling as insects crawl around the house.
Nasty smells come from pest excrement. Rodents also give off a pungent, musty odor that smells like urine.
A rat or mouse can die in the house and starts decaying. The stench of a decaying rodent can be overwhelming. The only way to eliminate the nasty smell is to find and dispose of the dead rodent and disinfect the area you found it.
3. Signs of Nesting
Paper and fabric sheds are common materials for rodent nests. Rodents may also use grass, twigs, and leaves to make nests.
Pests nest in discrete places. So, if you suspect a rodent infestation, check for nests under floors, in the attic, or behind walls.
4. Mud Tubes and Hollow Wood
Termites need a habitat with a lot of moisture. Thus, termites may nest in dark, moist areas with wood in your home. As they eat into the wood, it becomes hollow.
Termites build mud tubes where they crawl in to travel from their nests to food sources. If you find mud tubes in your house, break off a piece and check if there are termites on it. Even when there are no termites on a mud tube, it is best to get a termite inspection.
5. Physical Signs of Damage
Small holes, scratches, and gnaw marks on walls and flooring, especially in hidden areas, are common signs of a pest infestation. Rodents also gnaw on electrical wiring and upholstery fabric.
Termites feed on wood and leave several holes in wooden structures. Insects may also gnaw on your house plants.
Prevent Pest Infestation in Your Home
Pests can damage your home and compromise its structural integrity. Thus, if you suspect you have a pest infestation, it is best to call in a pest company. An effective pest control program can also help you eliminate pests in your home.
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