House hunting is an exciting time, and finding the right home includes doing what you can to ensure there aren’t existing pest problems. Some common household pests include termites, ants, cockroaches, and rodents. You may see tell-tale signs, but they vary depending on the type of pest.
Check For These Signs of Pests
Pest infestations can occur quickly once they decide to live in areas around your home. They multiply fast and can remain hidden, resulting in an infestation. Knowing the signs and keeping a lookout for pests can help.
- Droppings appear in most places where pests are present. Cockroaches and rodents commonly leave a trail behind. They thrive in quiet, dark areas such as basements and garages, but also appear in kitchens as they seek out food. Dark brown specks along the walls, under furniture, and around appliances could be a sign of an infestation.
- Damage such as rotted wood or bubbles in painted surfaces can appear where there are termites or certain species of beetles and ants that are wood-boring. Termites typically thrive just below the surface, and they require moisture to live. The moisture they retain will be present in the wood under the paint, and this will appear as peeling or bubbling.
- Unusual smells are a commonly reported sign when there’s an infestation. Pests are almost constantly on the hunt for food and nesting areas. Their nests and waste can result in pungent odors, not to mention the odor that comes directly from some pests. When you notice a sour or other smell that can’t be attributed to anything else it could be a sign of pests nearby.
- Sounds such as scurrying and scratching are signs of pests in walls. Many pests can find a way indoors, and some will take up residence in walls when they do. If you have noticed any unexplained noises in wall cavities, it may be a sign that pests are living within it. Bees and wasps find wall voids especially inviting, and will often cause a humming or buzzing sound in walls.
- Discarded wings or mud tubes are signs of termite activity. When termites fly off from existing colonies to start new ones, their fragile wings are dropped from their bodies shortly after and may be seen around window sills and other exterior entries.
- Pest activity at any level is a sure sign of their presence. When there are infestations you may witness unusually high activity. Active insects such as ants are numerous when infesting, so you’ll likely see a constant trail as they come and go from their nest to a food source.
- Mice and rats will often chew on wood and other household materials since they will eat just about anything. They have been known to leave gnaw marks on boxes, wiring, and other common items. Serious hazards exist if there are active infestations in any rooms where there is electrical wiring.
- Sawdust, a fine powder, or damaged and hollowed-out wood can be present when termites or other wood-boring insects have infested homes. Structural damage from insects can result in extensive costs to homeowners. Catching termite infestations as early as possible and discussing a treatment plan is essential to prevent loss.
- Cracks or gaps in exterior entry points can allow pests an easy pathway indoors. They are crafty at finding ways to access interior spaces and will be on the lookout for a way to get in. Weather stripping around doors and windows that are aged or damaged can allow all the access they need. Areas around utility lines that lead into homes are a vulnerable entry point. If there is even the tiniest space, pests such as ants can easily enter.
- Rodents and insects often seek food sources that are part of the landscape, resulting in visible damage. You may see odd coloration or pieces of foliage missing, and holes in the soil around plants. Exterior pests can find their way indoors when they are infesting nearby shrubs, trees, and gardens.
Pests that are indoors or outdoors can be troublesome and destructive. It is important to know these signs and what to look out for, but an inspection by a professional pest control service will be your best defense.
Trusted Professional Pest Control
The task of identifying pests that often remain hidden is best provided by professionals. Pest Solutions offers trusted local service focusing on eco-friendly solutions and 100 percent Assured Warranty termite programs. Whether you’re looking to get the best protection for a new construction house, an inspection, or pest control contact us at (804) 407-2372.
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