How to Identify if You Have a Pest Control Problem

How to Identify if You Have a Pest Control Problem

 Mar/19/2021      477
Do you need pest control? Here’s how to tell.

 

No one wants to live in a home where pests run free. Those scurrying pests that go bumping around your home at night aren’t just creepy, they can also cause health issues. Series, even fatal, diseases can be spread by pests, according to the EPA, CDC and USDA. Examples of health problems include vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and rabies, asthma and allergies, and microbial disease and infections like viruses.

Here’s how to tell if you have a pest infestation and what to do about it.

1. You spot pest droppings.

One of the tell-tale signs you have a pest infestation are pest droppings. Check your home and outdoor spaces for fecal droppings and urine trails. Rat and mice waste can be easy to identify, but waste from pests like bed bugs can be harder to see with the naked eye. That is why a pest control contractor comes in handy. Trained to identify pests and infestations, they can examine your home for any droppings or other indicators.

2. There is evidence of nesting.

Rodents make nests out of materials they find around the house like paper, grass or leaves. They like to nest underneath floors and between walls. A thorough search for nesting is important to prevent infestations and health issues.

3. You have come across grease tracks.

Rodents like to travel by the same path each day. This can create a trail or track across the floor or walls. Rats tend to leave behind dark grease spots wherever they go. Look for these trails if you suspect a rodent infestation.

4. There is physical damage.

If you find random holes or gnaw marks, you might have an infestation. Rats and mice like to chew, so it’s a big red flag if you see gnaw marks on your furniture or wiring. Small holes in your walls or floors is another sign. If you find damage to your wooden furniture or outdoor deck, you might have a termite infestation. If you come across property damage without an explanation, it’s time to call pest control.

5. You have damaged plants.

Many pests can wreak havoc on your lawn. They will gnaw on grass or outdoor plants, create uneven patches of lawn and can cause dead patches of grass. If your lawn has these issues you could have moles, voles, beetles, grubs, chinch bugs, crickets, or other pests.

If you have or suspect a pest problem, HomeContractors101.com can help. Speak to one of our pest control contractors today.