Top 7 Signs You Need to Hire a Pest Control Company

Do you have a creepy crawly problem? Or maybe you suspect you do?

There are 9 million different species of insects, which is more than just about any other animal kingdom. Scientists think that only the bottom of the barrel – they just haven’t had the time to catalog anymore.

There are even insects in Antarctica! So why wouldn’t there be some in your home? A Pest control service can help.

Almost every home has some sort of insects, but most exist in harmony with your family, and you never see them. If you start seeing them or getting unexplained bites, that’s when there’s a problem.

Learn the obvious and not so obvious signs you need to call a professional below.

Reasons to Call Pest Control

Let’s start with the most obvious reasons you need pest control and go to the less obvious. You may find you’re surprised by some of the signs.

Start learning below.

1. Environmental Factors

If you start seeing bugs in your home, think about the circumstances. Did you just open a window you don’t often open? That may be where the bugs are coming from.

Close the window and kill the bugs, then see if the problem persists. If you still see pests, then the problem isn’t from the window.

Do you have pets? Indoor/outdoor pets can cause a lot of pest problems. Their fur catches bugs from the outside plants and makes a nice home for things like fleas and ticks.

It’s important to keep your pets up to date on their medications. Keep them trimmed and spray your lawn with insecticide if you think you have a problem.

Unfortunately, a dose of flea or tick medication on your pet doesn’t stop the bugs that are already in your home.

Fleas and ticks can easily jump off a pet and nest into your carpet or fabrics.

If you find pests on your pet, you can almost guarantee they’re in your home. So that’s one reason you need to call pest control professionals.

2. You Get Bites

Some pests aren’t visible, except by the bites they leave. Things like fleas and bedbugs usually attack at night or when you’re sitting on fabric covered furniture.

Here’s what bedbug bites look like. Flea bites are similar looking, but the bumps are smaller. You can treat bites with over-the-counter anti-itch cremes.

Pro-tip: If you don’t know if you’re getting bites or it’s a mosquito from outside, check your mattress. Bed bugs leave rust colored stains on white fabric.

3. You See Droppings

Are you finding strange little black or brown dots where it doesn’t make sense to see them? They’re probably not pieces of glitter or leftover coffee grounds.

They may be droppings from your insect infestation. Mouse poop looks like chocolate sprinkles, but don’t eat them!

They can be round or long in shape. Rat droppings are a bit larger than mouse droppings – so keep an eye out.

If you have a pantry or keep food in cupboards, take it out and place it in sealed containers. You will probably find mouse droppings in the corner of your pantry or cupboards if you have a rodent problem.

Keep the food in sealed containers until you’re sure the problem is under control.

4. Rotten Wood

If you see rotten wood around the exterior of your home, that’s a good sign that you have pests. Rotting wood can either be work of something like termites or can be an avenue for them to enter in the future.

Your home’s exterior should be a barrier against the insect and outside world. Have a professional check out the area and then repair it as soon as possible.

If it’s an older home, you may want to call an inspector or contractor to make sure it’s not a wide-spread problem.

5. Unexplained Sounds

You know when people joke that there’s a secret family in their ceiling? If you’re hearing sounds like the pitter-pattering of tiny feet or scratches in the wall, that could be a sign of pests.

Squirrels, mice, rats, and even possums can live in the attic or ceiling.

6. Chewed Wires

If you reach down to plug in your laptop and you see chewed wires – that’s another sign you’ve got unwanted guests. Mice and rats like to chew on wires.

They’re brightly colored and attract their attention. If you do see chewed wires, be careful when you plug things back in. Exposed hardware can lead to sparks and even fires.

7. A Musty Smell

Finally, rats and mice like to make nests, and they don’t usually smell good. It’s not a strong odor but more musty and earthy.

It comes from their droppings and the materials they use to make their nest, which are usually parts of your home.

Follow your nose if you smell musty or earthy smells. It’ll likely lead you to corners or somewhere protected, like behind the dryer under the fridge.

Pests are like us in that they want a safe, warm, protected place to call home.

Talking to Pest Control

If you suspect any of these things above, call pest control immediately. You can stop an infestation in its tracks if you catch it quickly enough.

With the way and speed that insects and rodents populate, time is of the essence. Show the pest control professional what you suspect and let them go from there.

You’ll be pest free in no time! Make your life easier, contact us!