In the Pacific Northwest, we see a lot of rainy days. This makes it a perfect place for pests that love the damp and dark to flourish. One of the most frustrating things about dealing with pests is that they can be challenging to spot until they’ve done severe damage. When you see them, they may have already taken over your home. However, some telltale signs can indicate a pest infestation. These vary widely based on the type of pest you’re dealing with, so it helps to keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary in your home; with a variety of pests comes a wide range of symptoms.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your home from pests is to be on the lookout for early signs of infestation. By being vigilant and calling pest control services as soon as you suspect a problem, you can take steps to prevent a small problem from becoming a big one. Some common early signs of pest infestation include:
Live Pests in Your Home
This one might seem obvious, but it’s easy to write it off as a fluke if you only see one or two common pests scurrying around your home. Even if you only see a few bugs or rodents, there could still be thousands more lurking where you can’t see them. If you don’t take action quickly, you could soon be dealing with a full-blown infestation. Ignoring the problem will only worsen it, so it’s essential to take action sooner rather than later. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care.
Pest problems never get better on their own – in fact, they usually get worse. If you’re dealing with a pest issue, the best thing you can do is take action immediately. The longer you wait, the more time the pests have to multiply and infest your home or business. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse, so it’s essential to call a pest control company as soon as you see signs of pests.
Droppings or Dead Pests
Another sign is droppings. Rodents and cockroaches leave behind droppings that are easy to spot, which can indicate that there are pests in your home. If you see small pellets anywhere in your home, particularly around a food source, it indicates that rodents are present. Chewed edges on food packaging or furniture are also a telltale sign of pests. If you see any of these signs, you must take action immediately. The longer an infestation is left unchecked, the more difficult it will be to get rid of it.
In the case of bugs like ants, roaches, wasps, or bees, you’re likely to discover dead pests around your home. Even if you don’t see any live pests, if you notice dead ones piling up, you might still have a pest problem.
Damaged Belongings
Early signs of pest infestation can be challenging to identify, but there are a few things to watch out for. One is unusual staining or discoloration on walls or ceilings caused by pest waste, which usually has an unpleasant odor. Another sign to look for is claw marks or chew marks on woodwork or furniture.
Rodents also enjoy chewing through wires, be that your phone charger or the electrical wires in your walls. These can cause shorts in your electrical system and can even lead to fires.
Carpenter ants and termites are very destructive pests; they can quickly cause structural damage to your home if left unchecked. They ruin wooden structures by burrowing around to build their nests, leaving distinctive grooves behind. Because they are primarily active at night, they can be difficult to spot – and so can the damage they cause. That’s why it’s so important to call a pest control technician right away if you notice any carpenter ants or termites in your home; by the time you spot them, the damage could be extensive.
Strange Noises
Insects like bees and wasps make a distinctive buzzing sound that announces their presence loud and clear. You may hear rodents scurrying around, particularly at night. Rodents tend to move around at night while people are asleep, and your walls are the perfect path through your home. It’s even possible to hear them chewing away inside your walls! If you hear strange noises from your walls or floors, it’s worth investigating to see if any unwanted guests are living in your home.
By being on the lookout for these signs, you can help to identify a pest problem early and take steps to get rid of them before they cause severe damage. Prompt treatment is the most effective treatment.
Nesting Materials
Rodents will often gather materials like paper and fabric to build nests. These nests tend to be hidden in hard-to-reach areas, but you may still stumble across one. If you find nesting materials around your home, it’s a good sign that you have an infestation. Nests are unsightly and can also be a fire hazard if they’re located near heat sources like furnaces or water heaters. In addition, rodents can cause damage to electrical wiring, leading to costly repairs. If you suspect that you have a rodent infestation, contact a pest control professional right away. They will be able to safely and effectively remove the pests from your home, preventing further damage.
It’s important to take action immediately to eliminate the rodents and prevent them from causing further damage. Otherwise, they may chew through wires and insulation or contaminate food sources with droppings.
When to Call For Help
In short, it’s a good idea to call a professional pest control service when you suspect unwanted pests in your home. Even if you only have a handful of pests or a nest or two, it’s still best to ensure it won’t become more serious. Pest infestations can quickly spiral out of control, so follow up on any suspicions you have. It’s better to know for sure than to risk significant damage to your home, belongings, and even your health.
If you think you have a pest problem in your home, it’s crucial to act promptly. Pest infestations can quickly spiral out of control, causing significant damage to your home, belongings, and even your health. Inspect your home regularly for signs of pests, such as droppings or chewing damage. If you suspect you have a pest problem, contact a professional exterminator for an inspection. The sooner you identify and address the problem, the less damage it will cause. Don’t take chances with your home or health—if you think you have a pest problem, call for extermination services right away.
Call Paratex today!
If you notice any of these early signs of pest infestation, don’t hesitate to call in a pest control expert. With our help, you can rid your home of pests and keep them from returning. If you notice these signs, contact Paratex Pest Control immediately to schedule a free consultation. Also, check out our website for more information on various specific pests.
We will inspect your home and develop a customized treatment plan to rid your home of pests for good. Whether you need residential or commercial pest control services, we offer professional, effective pest control – and peace of mind – at a fair price. Don’t wait until the problem worsens – call Paratex Pest Control today!