Dealing with a pest infestation can be extremely distressing for any homeowner. Not only are pests creepy and unpleasant to be around, but many of them carry a variety of different diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets.
Seeing a cockroach, mouse, or any other kind of pest in your home can immediately make you feel uneasy and uncomfortable to be in your own home, even causing lifelong distress in severe cases.
Don’t live in fear if you suspect you may have a pest infestation in your Maryland home. Professional pest control is always available and with a residential pest control program, you can receive monthly treatment that ensures your home is pest-free year-round. But don’t wait! Here are seven signs you need professional pest control immediately.
You Spot Certain Pests
While the occasional spider or ladybug around the house isn’t usually a cause for concern, seeing more serious pests, like cockroaches or termites, often indicates a larger problem. Not only are these pests social, but they can spread disease, destroy your furniture, and be difficult to eradicate.
Virtually any in your home is not a good sign, as it likely means there are more lurking around that you aren’t aware of.
Pests You Remove Keep Returning
If you have ever killed an ant or other kind of pest, only to see even more show up a few days later, it may be a sign that you’re dealing with a pest infestation. In the case of ants, they often leave a pheromone trail behind that is not visible, but attracts other ants to alert them that a robust food source is nearby.
Taking matters into your own hands and simply killing one or two pests will not resolve a larger problem, which is why it is so important to contact a pest control professional at the first sign of an infestation.
There Is Structural Damage
Unexplained structural damage to a home is not normal, so if you notice unusual wear and tear on the inside or outside of your home, it may be a sign that you’re dealing with a pest of some sort. In particular, wood damage could be indicative of a wood-destroying organism infestation.
Pests like termites and certain types of ants are known to cause significant houses to homes and buildings, so keep an eye out for any damage that may look unusual.
A Strange Odor Lingers
A sudden strange odor in your home can often signify many things, but one likely source is a pest infestation. Pests like cockroaches and rodents are known to give off a foul or musty-smelling odor, so it is worth looking into if you smell something strange in your home.
There Are Gnaw Marks On Objects
Gnaw marks are another telltale sign of a pest infestation. Certain pests, like rodents and cockroaches, are known to leave gnaw marks on furniture and other household items. Keep an eye out for this sign of an infestation, and contact a trusted exterminator if you have any suspicions.
You Spot Pest Droppings
Seeing pest droppings around the house is never a good sign and is always worth following up with an exterminator for. Familiarize yourself with what different pest droppings look like to help you determine if what you’re seeing really are droppings and not just dirt or coffee grounds.
It’s Impacting Your Quality of Life
Dealing with any pest infestation can severely impact your quality of life and make you feel unsafe in your home. If you suspect pests in your home impacting your quality of life, contact a pest control professional immediately. Your home is supposed to be a safe space and forgoing pest control for monetary or any other reason can be detrimental to your mental health.
FAQs
How can I tell if I have a pest infestation in my home?
There are many telltale signs of a pest infestation, the most notable being rodent or insect droppings, a strange smell in the air, or gnaw marks on walls and furniture. If you notice anything strange in your home, it is always best to contact a pest control professional to have your house inspected.
Are there specific signs that indicate the presence of rodents in my house?
A rodent infestation can go unnoticed for a while, as these pests are known to be sneaky. However, there are signs to look out for. Rodent droppings, gnaw marks on household items, rodent nests, and noises coming from your walls or floors can all be signs of a rodent infestation.
What are the signs of a termite infestation?
Termites are some of the most destructive pests, which is why you will want to take care of an infestation immediately. Signs of a termite infestation include mud tubes, hollow wood, discarded wings, and termite droppings.
How can I detect if I have bed bugs in my home?
Bed bugs are another pest that can easily go undetected for a while, especially due to their small size. You can identify a bed bug infestation by looking for brown stains on mattresses and bedding, a strange odor in the home, and red, itchy bites on your body.