The amount of damage tiny little bugs can do is shocking – one cockroach usually means more are hiding in the shadows, a few termites can quickly turn into a whole colony feasting on your home, and a bedbug that hitched a ride on a secondhand couch can multiply and take over in no time. It’s important to not only know the signs of pest activity in your home, but to take immediate action when you see them.
Droppings
This one should go without saying – at the first sign of pest droppings, it’s time to address the problem. You may have to do a bit of unpleasant research to find out what animal the droppings came from, but it’s important to know what you’re up against. Once you know the type of pest, you can formulate an effective plan to eliminate the threat to your home and its residents.
Nesting Materials
Whether you have hired a professional pest control service or you monitor your home on a regular basis, keep an eye out for nesting materials. Check corners in the attic and basement for nesting items like shredded paper, scan behind furniture, and shed some light on those dark, cozy hiding places that might be housing pests. In the yard, take note of mounds of dirt that may house an entrance to an ant nest or the all-too-familiar cones from the early stages of a wasp nest.
Anomalies in Flooring and Walls
Strange as it may sound, certain pest invasions can present signs that could easily be mistaken for age or normal wear and tear on a home. Windows and doors that jam could be due to settling…but they could also be a result of termite activity beneath the surface. Loose tiles, discoloration in drywall, peeling paint, soft floorboards, and pinholes in the walls could all be evidence of a serious underlying problem. Monitor these anomalies carefully and take action right away to ensure that they aren’t signs of a pest infestation.
Bites and Stains
If you wake up covered in bug bites, you would probably immediately suspect bedbugs. But what if you just see some dark brown or rust-colored stains on your bedsheets? If you were chowing down on a chocolate bar while binging your favorite show in bed last night, okay…maybe a few crumbs slipped through your fingers. But if you generally keep your chocolates and binging to the living room, you might have a problem with bedbugs. Bedbugs can leave fecal matter or blood behind while scurrying around in your sheets, leaving brown or rust-colored stains.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Know the signs of pest activity and take action immediately when you see them. If you already have a lot on your plate, consider hiring a professional pest control service. An expert will know exactly what to look for and will monitor your property on a regular basis – and if there is cause for concern, they will know exactly what to do to remedy the problem. If you live in the San Joaquin Valley, give San Joaquin Pest Control a call today for a free quote.
