Pest infestations are a huge fear of home and business owners all over the Bay Area, but how do you know when it’s time to up the ante and take action? Pest infestations can cause health issues, structural damage to buildings, and overall ruin the vibe of anywhere they inhabit. Learning how to spot an infestation before it spreads is an invaluable skill to any homeowner or property manager.
Taking immediate action against a pest infestation is imperative to maintain the comfort of your home or the safety of your business. As you jump further into this blog, Banner Pest Services is here to help you in pinpointing the warning signs of an insect pest infestation, such as property damage and insect sightings, equipping you with the knowledge to respond effectively.
Unusual Noises and Odors
Here are some initial warning signs for pests that might clue you off to an ensuing infestation:
- Unusual Odors – Musty odors and the scent of ammonia can come from pest scat and urine. If you’re smelling pungent, unpleasant odors coming from the forgotten corners of the building, take a closer look to see if you can find physical evidence.
- Strange Noises – Listen carefully for scratching, squeaking, or scurrying sounds at night.
- Pet Detection: If you have cats (or dogs, to a lesser extent), they’ll probably be aware of an infestation long before you. If your cat is begging to go into the pantry, or is pawing at a cabinet that it usually ignores, there might be a mouse or bugs hiding within.
- Physical Pest Evidence- Vigilance is key when it comes to spotting droppings, shed skins, egg casings, or gnaw marks on furniture and wiring. These warning signs, together with visible trails or grease marks along walls, unmistakably point to an active insect or pest infestation within your dwelling.
Don’t overlook intermittent warning signs of an infestation. Observing any of these indicators warrants immediate measures to shield your home from the intrusion of unwelcome pests.
Visible Damage to Property and Furniture
When conducting your investigation, look for damage on the building’s structure, furniture, and your stuff. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
- Entry Points – Pests are master opportunists, and they’ll often slip into tiny cracks and crevices in buildings that you might not even be aware of. To bug-proof your home, keep an eye out for potential entry points and swiftly address any deterioration like damaged siding or cracked foundations.
- Outdoor Clues – Your lawn or garden might show evidence if you know where to look. Small holes in the mud could indicate termites or hornets nearby, and wasp nests might be forming under gutters and window sills. Especially keep an eye out for gnawed wood, as that could mean you’re looking for termites or carpenter bees.
- Indoor Warning Signs – Indoors, various pests leave distinct traces. Gnaw marks on furniture or baseboards, particularly along pathways, often signal rodents, necessitating prompt rodent control measures. Grease marks and tracks along walls can map out the routes pests navigate within your dwelling. For those with wooden features, stay alert for termite control: mud tubes on exterior walls or small wood-colored pellets are red flags of termite activity. Similarly, piles of sawdust can indicate the handiwork of carpenter ants and bees, pointing to a need for ant control.
Droppings and Nesting Materials
Another obvious sign of pest problems is finding their scat in the corners of buildings. Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:
- Droppings – These disconcerting signs vary with the pest involved. For example, termite frass are minuscule, hexagonal capsules, while mouse droppings are akin to dark, grain-sized pellets. Rat droppings, a bit larger and pointed, are typically discovered near food sources. Cockroach droppings manifest as small, dark brown or black specks, occasionally with an oily surface and ridged outlines
- Nesting Materials – Materials such as fabric, decaying plants, or paper are often the chosen residence for pests, making them a haven for insect pest activity. Rodents often create nests from insulation or wiring.
- Urine Stains and Grease Marks – Using a UV light is a great way to find urine stains from pests and grease marks left from their bodies brushing against surfaces. Check floors, in cabinets, and under furniture.
Encountering any warning signs of a pest infestation signifies it’s time to seek a professional exterminator. Banner Pest Services is here to assist in protecting your Bay Area home or business from insect and pest infestations. Contact us today for a free quote!
Conclusion – Figuring Out Pest Infestations
Proactively creating a pest free home or business takes a lot of vigilance, and often the expertise of pest control specialists. If your Bay Area home or business becomes a refuge for unwanted guests, Banner Pest Services is here to help you in your fight against infestations. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with our skilled pest technicians!
