What Are The Common Signs Of A Pest Infestation That Homeowners Should Look Out For?

As a homeowner, you want to keep your property safe and healthy for your family, pets, and guests. However, one of the most common and unwelcome issues that can threaten your home’s comfort and hygiene is pest infestation. Pests are unwanted creatures that invade your living space, damage your property, spread diseases, and cause stress and frustration. The earlier you detect a pest problem, the easier it is to control and prevent it from spreading. Here are some common signs of a pest infestation that homeowners should look out for:

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Droppings and Urine Stains

Pests such as rodents, cockroaches, and bed bugs leave behind droppings and urine stains as they move around your home. These can be found in various places such as kitchen cabinets, drawers, countertops, behind appliances, under sinks, closets, and in bedrooms. Rat droppings, for example, are black or brown, cylindrical, and about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, while cockroach droppings are smaller and look like black pepper or coffee grounds. Bed bug droppings are reddish-brown or black spots that resemble mold or mildew.

Gnawed and Chewed Objects

Pests such as mice, rats, squirrels, and termites gnaw and chew on objects in your home to sharpen their teeth, access food and water, and build nests. These can include furniture, walls, floors, wires, pipes, insulation, and books. You may notice holes, scratches, gnaw marks, or shredded materials in these areas. Termites, for instance, can cause significant damage to wooden structures, while rodents can destroy electrical systems and create fire hazards.

Grease and Smudge Marks

Pests such as rodents, roaches, and ants leave behind grease and smudge marks as they crawl or walk on surfaces in your home. These marks can be found along walls, floors, baseboards, and cabinets. Rodents have oily fur that rubs off on surfaces, while roaches secrete a substance called frass that leaves brown or black smears. Ants also leave pheromone trails that mark their pathways to food sources.

Foul Odors

Pests such as rodents, roaches, and bats emit foul odors that can be unpleasant and noticeable in your home. These smells can be caused by urine, feces, dead bodies, or secretions from their glands. You may notice a musty or moldy odor from rats and mice, a sweet or pungent odor from roaches, and a musky or ammonia-like odor from bats. These odors can be a sign of an active infestation or a recent one.

Strange Noises

Pests such as rodents, bats, and raccoons make strange noises that can be heard at night or in quiet areas of your home. These noises can include scratching, scurrying, squeaking, chirping, or rustling sounds. You may hear them in your attic, walls, ceilings, or floors. Rats and mice, for example, are active at night and can make scratching and gnawing noises, while bats can make high-pitched chirping or squeaking sounds.

Bite Marks and Skin Irritation

Pests such as bed bugs, fleas, and mites bite humans and pets to feed on their blood. These bites can cause skin irritation, redness, swelling, and itching. You may notice small, red, or brown spots on your skin, especially on your arms, legs, neck, and face. You may also see blood stains on your sheets, pillowcases, or clothing.