The Pest Line of Defense: Signs Your Home Has a Pest Problem
Whether you are looking for a house to live in or you are doing up your dream home, one of the biggest things that can derail enthusiasm is the potential for pest infestations. There are a number of red flags that we need to keep an eye on if we are upgrading our home that could signify a larger infestation problem. Here are a few things to look out for.
Dead Bugs
Dead bugs don't necessarily mean they've all died out. Make sure you check all the window ledges and the basements for any dead bugs. Because if you can find numerous dead bugs that are of the same species, it's very likely they are all living on the property. Infestations like bugs can easily be remedied by contacting a pest control expert.
Persistent Pests
As obvious as it sounds, you need to identify different pests in your area to understand the type of infestation in the home. You may think the pests are just going to be visible in every room, but the fact is they are very good at hiding things. Make sure you look in less obvious places such as drawers, rocks, and leaves as well as the bigger places like the bathroom and the kitchen.
Strange Smells or Sounds
There will be specific smells the pests give off. For example, mice will usually smell like urine, rats will smell like ammonia, and roaches can have a very oily odor. Additionally, if there are sounds of squeaking, scratching, and gnawing on the walls, these can be signs of a pest infestation.
Droppings
A very classic sign that there is pet infestation is pest droppings. If you are seeing pest droppings but you don't know what type of pest is on the property, you may want to research what different types of pest droppings look like for you to understand what you are dealing with. You should also look for any cases and any signs of bed bugs which are droppings, stains, and casings, which can be left underneath mattresses or in the seams.
Breeding Grounds Outside
It's not just about what's going on in the home, but what is happening outside and where the property is. For example, if the property is near an alley with garbage or near electrical wires in enclosed areas, these are both signs that rats and rodents may be nearby, especially as mice and rats like to gnaw on electrical wires. If the property is near a lake, pond, or stagnant water, this might highlight a mosquito problem during the summer months.
Lawn Damage
If you can see uneven grass length or large brown areas shaped like a circle, this can also be a sign of pest infestation. You may also notice damaged plants and signs of gnawing on the ends of the grass blades and ant hills or molehills.
If you have a problem with pests, it's not the end of the line for your property. It's important to note the signs and understand the types of pests on your property so you can best deal with these properly.
