Five Signs You Have Pests

by Kevin Smith Author

You may think your home is free of pests. But if you look a little closer, you may discover that’s not the case. While it’s easy to miss subtle signs of infestation, there are some key giveaways. Here are five signs you could have pests, and should secure local pest control in St. Augustine to help protect your property.

Visible Damage

Depending on the type of pest, you may notice damage from chewing or gnawing. For instance, mice can leave bite marks on your walls, cause holes in textile items like clothing, and fray electrical wires. Other pests, like termites, can leave signs of tunneling on your drywall or wood. Once you spot any damage, it’s important to undertake a thorough inspection to keep your property protected.

Strange Sounds

Every house makes some noise, like sounds from mechanical systems running or wood heating up and expanding. But if you hear strange rustling or scratching sounds that appear to come from behind your walls, in the attic, or up your chimney, pests have likely moved into your home. Pay attention to the location of the sounds, their timing, and how often you hear them to help identify what species may be the culprit.

Droppings

As unappealing as it may sound to hunt for pest feces, it’s important to look for signs of droppings on your property. That’s because many pests carry dangerous diseases, and their waste can put you and your family at risk. When you see droppings, take note of their shape and size to help determine what type of pest you’re up against since a cockroach’s droppings, for example, differ from those of a bat.

Nests

Pests often use common items to construct their nests, making their homes harder to spot. Be sure to walk around your property and pay attention to things like clusters of grass clippings and leaves in your shed or mounds of shredded paper in the corner of a cabinet or box. Pests like mice often create nests before giving birth to protect their newborns, so you’ll want to remove any immediately.

Grease Marks

Just like humans, pests can be creatures of habit. Mice and rats often travel the same paths between their nest and food source, and can leave a greasy trail in their wake from the oils in their coats. If you notice any dark smear marks on your walls or around corners, it’s time to suspect a pest.

Even if you don’t think you have any pests on your property, it’s a good idea to take a walk around to look for signs that you’re infested. Quick identification and removal of pests can help protect your home and its contents, so consider a local pest control in St. Augustine, for a professional examination and any treatment.