Most people looking for a new home are stressed enough because of some common issues. Are there any leaks in the roof? How about the water supply? Are there any electrical problems? Such questions often appear when you are trying to check on the new home you are planning to purchase. Because of these issues, concerns about pest infestations are often set aside. Dealing with a pest infestation issue can be infuriating especially if you are not prepared. That is why early intervention is the answer and key to avoid heavy damage caused by pests. The earlier you get on the scene, the better.
Early signs of Pest Infestation
Structural Damage
Holes, gnaw marks and other visible physical damages to your home or building are signs that pests might be present. Mice and rats are known for chewing objects so the gnaw marks on your electrical wirings, furniture and even on your walls and ceiling may be caused by pests. Holes on your walls are also indicators that your property is in danger of pests. Check also on damaged wooden objects and furniture as termites dig into woods that leaves moisture, which is bad to both your home and its structure.
Signs of Nesting
Once these pests find a good place to enter, they will stay there. Pests often look for warm places with easy access to food and moist, that is why homes are the best option these pests have. As long as there is an available place, rodents, mice, rats, termites, and other pests will make nests out of them. Once they are secured, the only thing that they are left to do is to reproduce. Use light sticks or flashlights to indicate their whereabouts. They could be hiding behind your appliances, in your attic, between walls or under your floors where there is less or no traffic at all.
Strange Smells and Odors
Strange smells and bad odors are not new when indicating a pest infestation. What you think is a smell released by garbage or your sewer may be a sign that your home is housing pests! These pests give off certain smells and are recognizable. Pests often leave musty odors caused by urine, excrement, and remains. If your property discharges unpleasant smells, it is necessary to conduct a thorough assessment to determine pest infestation.
Weird Noises
Scratching sounds, humming, squeaks and banging sounds are common indicators that pests are nibbling and nesting at your home. Rats and other larger pests and insects are more active at night which means that they are more likely to wake you up in the middle of the night. You’ll usually hear pitter-patter sounds of feet joined be scratches, whines and scurries. Even though pests are known for being quiet, they don’t work silently. Trust your ears and make an in-depth observation to determine where these loud noises at night are coming from.
Grease Marks and Tracks
When you notice any grease marks and tracks, it means that your home is inhabited by pests. Grease tracks on the floors and droppings are common since these pests, commonly rodents and mice establish favorite routes leaving tracks of grease to the same paths as well as greasy furs and trails on some parts of your home that they often visit. Aside from greasy tracks and marks, if you also notice that your home is getting dirtier than usual, this could also mean that pests are present and are infesting at your home.
Damaged Fabric
Aside from damaging your furniture and other items at home, have you noticed any damage in your clothing and other fabrics lately? It is true that apart from the common signs of pest infestation, one of the major indicators of pests’ inhabitants are damaged fabrics. If you notice feces or shred skins and eggs on your fabrics, they may be there lurking and working on the darker side of your home. You may see holes or scratch marks on your fabrics, and if these kinds of damages are visible, chances are good that you have rats and other pests that cause heavy damage to your clothing and belongings.