If You Notice Any Of These Signs You Need To Call Pest Control Immediately
By Carole
2 months ago
1. Droppings or faeces is a pretty obvious indicator!
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Pest droppings come in various shapes and sizes depending on the type of pest. For instance, rodent droppings are typically small and pellet-shaped, while cockroach droppings resemble black pepper. Identifying droppings can help determine the extent of the infestation.2. Unusual odors - you will know when it's not quite right!
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Pests such as rodents, insects, as well as mold, can emit distinctive odors that are often unpleasant and difficult to ignore. Rodents may leave behind a musky scent, while mold caused by excess moisture from a pest infestation can produce a musty smell.3. Gnaw marks or chewed items are a sign to call the specialists
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Rodents have strong teeth that enable them to gnaw through various materials, including wood, plastic, and even electrical wiring. Identifying gnaw marks on furniture, walls, or wires is a clear indication of a rodent infestation that poses risks.4. Nesting materials - do you have random bits of paper popping up?
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Pests often seek shelter in hidden areas of homes and buildings, where they construct nests using materials like paper, fabric, and insulation. Discovering nests in attics, basements, or behind appliances suggests an active infestation that requires professional intervention to eradicate the pests.5. Scratching or rustling noises... they are close!
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Pests such as rodents and insects may produce audible sounds, including scratching, rustling, or scurrying, particularly at night when they are most active. Hearing these noises emanating from walls, ceilings, or floors indicates the presence of pests and warrants immediate action to address the infestation.6. Visible pests... there could be more lurking under the surface
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Spotting pests such as cockroaches, ants, rodents, or termites within your home is a clear indication of an infestation that requires prompt extermination. Identifying the type of pest and its nesting locations can aid pest control professionals in implementing targeted treatment methods.7. Damaged plants or garden areas
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Pests can wreak havoc on outdoor spaces by feeding on plants, trees, and lawn areas. Signs of damage include chewed leaves, holes in foliage, and wilting plants, which necessitate pest management measures to protect the health and vitality of outdoor vegetation.8. Allergy symptoms or bites
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Pests such as dust mites, fleas, and bed bugs can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritations in susceptible individuals. Identifying allergy symptoms or unexplained bites on family members or pets can indicate the presence of pests within the home that require immediate eradication.9. Deteriorating structures
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Prolonged pest infestations can cause structural damage to buildings and homes, compromising their integrity and safety. Signs of deterioration include weakened wood, damaged insulation, and gnawed wires, which underscore the urgency of addressing the underlying pest problem.10. Increased pest activity during specific seasons
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Certain pests exhibit seasonal variations in activity, becoming more prevalent during specific times of the year. Monitoring changes in pest activity can help detect infestations early and facilitate timely intervention. Don't wait until you've gone into panic mode over this!11. Sighting of pest tracks
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Some pests, particularly rodents like rats and mice, leave behind visible tracks in dusty or dirty areas. Tracking tunnels or footprints can be evidence of an active infestation that requires professional attention. It's time to call in pest control.12. Presence of pest nests or hives
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Discovering nests, hives, or mounds built by pests such as wasps, bees, or termites on your property can leave you very stressed as it indicates an ongoing infestation that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent property damage and potential stings or bites.13. Holes or entry points in walls and foundations
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Pests often gain entry into buildings through small cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, foundations, and roofing. Identifying entry points and sealing them off can help prevent further infestation and reduce the risk of pest intrusion. They can get into the tiniest of spaces.14. Visible damage to property
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Pests like termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles can cause significant damage to wooden structures, furniture, and fixtures. Identifying visible damage, such as hollowed-out wood or crumbling drywall, signals an active infestation that requires professional treatment to prevent further destruction.15. Unexplained electrical issues
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Rodents are notorious for chewing on electrical wires and cables, which can lead to short circuits, power outages, and fire hazards. Experiencing unexplained electrical issues or flickering lights may indicate a rodent infestation that requires immediate attention from pest control experts.16. Persistent pest droppings in food storage areas
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Finding pest droppings in kitchen cabinets, pantry shelves, or food storage containers poses serious health risks and contamination concerns. Promptly removing contaminated food items and implementing effective pest control measures are essential for maintaining food safety and hygiene.17. Increased pet distress or agitation
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Pets are often sensitive to the presence of pests and may exhibit signs of distress, agitation, or unusual behavior when exposed to infested areas. Monitoring your pets' behavior can help detect pest infestations early and prevent potential health issues.18. Visible pest eggs or larvae
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Some pests, such as bed bugs, fleas, and flies, lay eggs in hidden crevices, upholstery, or bedding. Discovering clusters of pest eggs or larvae indicates an active infestation that swiftly requires thorough inspection and treatment by pest control professionals.19. Excessive pest droppings in attics or crawlspaces
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Pests like bats, birds, and rodents may take up residence in attics, crawlspaces, or roof voids, leaving behind large quantities of droppings and debris. Excessive accumulation of pest droppings poses health risks and requires professional clean up and pest exclusion measures.20. Unusual pest behavior or aggression
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Some pests may exhibit aggressive behavior or unusual patterns, especially when they feel threatened or cornered. Observing erratic movements, defensive posturing, or swarming behavior indicates a potential infestation that necessitates immediate pest control intervention.21. Visible signs of wood damage
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Wood-boring pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and woodworms can cause structural damage to wooden structures, furniture, and fixtures. Look for hollowed-out wood, sawdust-like frass, or tunnels in wooden materials, which are clear indicators of an active infestation that requires professional treatment.22. Unexplained illness or respiratory issues
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Pests like cockroaches, dust mites, and rodents can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. Experiencing unexplained illness or respiratory issues that worsen indoors may indicate a pest infestation that requires thorough cleaning and pest control measures.23. Visible pest trails or runways
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Certain pests, including ants and termites, create visible trails or runways along walls, baseboards, or outdoor surfaces as they forage for food or travel between their nests and food sources. Identifying these trails can help pinpoint the source of the infestation and guide pest control efforts.24. Presence of shed skin or molted exoskeletons
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Insects like cockroaches, bed bugs, and spiders shed their exoskeletons as they grow and mature. Discovering shed skin or molted exoskeletons in hidden areas, cracks, or crevices indicates an active infestation that requires targeted treatment to eliminate the pests at various life stages.25. Sticky or greasy smudges on walls and surfaces
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Pests such as rodents and cockroaches leave behind oily smudges, stains, or tracks as they navigate through walls, baseboards, and surfaces in search of food and shelter. Identifying these smudges can help track pest activity and determine the extent of the infestation.26. Visible signs of gnawing on plastic or rubber materials
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Rodents have incisors that continuously grow, leading them to gnaw on various materials, including plastic, rubber, and vinyl. Discovering chew marks or gnawing damage on plastic pipes, electrical cables, or household items suggests a rodent infestation that requires immediate pest control intervention.27. Unexplained lawn or garden damage
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Pests such as moles, voles, and grubs can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping by tunnelling underground, feeding on roots, or devouring plant foliage. Identifying patches of dead grass, upturned soil, or chewed plant roots indicates a pest problem that requires pest management measures.28. Persistent pest infestations despite DIY efforts
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If you've attempted to address a pest problem using DIY methods but continue to experience persistent infestations or recurrence of pests, it may be time to seek professional pest control services. Pest control experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to effectively identify and eliminate stubborn pest infestations.29. Visible signs of water damage or leaks
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Pests are attracted to areas with moisture, which can create conducive conditions for mold growth, fungus, and wood rot. Detecting water stains, dampness, or plumbing leaks in basements, crawlspaces, or attics may indicate an underlying moisture problem that requires remediation and pest control measures to prevent infestations.30. Unexplained property damage or losses
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If you notice unexplained property damage, loss of valuables, or missing items, it could be attributed to pests like rodents, raccoons, or squirrels rummaging through your belongings in search of food or nesting materials. Conducting a thorough inspection and implementing pest control measures can help prevent further damage and losses.31. Presence of pest droppings in HVAC systems
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Pests like rodents and insects can infiltrate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, leaving behind droppings, debris, and nesting materials. Detecting pest activity in HVAC ducts or vents requires professional inspection and treatment to prevent contamination of indoor air quality and potential health risks.32. Unexplained pet distress or health issues
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Pets can serve as early indicators of pest infestations through changes in behavior, appetite, or health. Experiencing unexplained pet distress, lethargy, or allergic reactions may signal the presence of pests such as fleas, ticks, or mites that require immediate pest control intervention.33. Presence of pest bite marks or stings
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Pests like bed bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and stinging insects can leave behind bite marks, welts, or allergic reactions on humans and pets. Identifying bite marks or stings on exposed skin suggests a pest problem that warrants thorough inspection and treatment to eliminate the pests and prevent further bites or stings.34. Visible signs of pest infestation in commercial properties
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Businesses, restaurants, warehouses, and other commercial properties are susceptible to pest infestations that can compromise product quality, customer safety, and regulatory compliance. Recognizing signs of pest activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or food contamination, requires immediate pest management measures.35. Evidence of food contamination or spoilage
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Pests like rodents, insects, and pantry pests can contaminate food products, packaging, and storage areas with faeces, urine, saliva, and pathogens. Discovering signs of food contamination, spoilage, or tampering necessitates thorough sanitation, pest exclusion, and monitoring to prevent foodborne illnesses and regulatory violations.36. Visible signs of pest infestation in stored goods or inventory
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Pests can infest stored goods, inventory, and merchandise in warehouses, storage facilities, and retail establishments, causing damage, spoilage, and financial losses. Identifying signs of pest activity, including chewed packaging, fecal matter, or pest sightings, requires immediate pest control intervention.37. Increased pest activity in rental properties or multi-unit dwellings
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Rental properties, apartments, and multi-unit dwellings are vulnerable to pest infestations that can spread rapidly between units and common areas. Noticing increased pest activity, complaints from tenants, or signs of structural damage necessitates coordinated pest management efforts and tenant education38. Presence of pest odors or pheromones
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Certain pests emit distinctive odors or pheromones that can permeate indoor spaces and trigger fear, anxiety, or phobias in occupants. Detecting foul or musky odors, urine stains, or pheromone trails requires professional odor remediation and pest control measures to restore comfort and tranquility within the home or workplace.39. Visible signs of pest infestation in electronic devices
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Pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents may seek shelter and warmth within electronic devices such as computers, televisions, and appliances. Identifying pests, droppings, or nesting materials inside electronic devices requires specialized pest control techniques and device maintenance to prevent damage and malfunctions.40. Unexplained increase in utility bills
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Pests like rodents and insects can damage insulation, electrical wiring, and plumbing systems, leading to energy inefficiency, water leaks, and increased utility bills. Noticing unexplained spikes in heating, cooling, or water consumption requires professional inspection and pest control measures to address underlying issues and restore energy efficiency.41. Prevention is better than cure! - Maintain cleanliness
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Regularly clean your home, including floors, countertops, sinks, and storage areas, to remove food crumbs, spills, and debris that attract pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents. Don't forget to vacuum mattresses and headboards to keep bed bugs away!42. Seal entry points
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Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, windows, pipes, and utility lines, and seal them with caulk, weather stripping, or mesh screens to prevent pests from entering. Remember that pests can squeeze through the tiniest of gaps.43. Store food properly
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Keep food items, including pantry staples, pet food, and garbage, in sealed containers made of glass, plastic, or metal to deter pests and minimize odors that attract insects and rodents. Produce such as flour and sugar should be tightly secured after initial opening.44. Dispose of garbage promptly
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Empty indoor and outdoor garbage bins regularly, and use tightly sealed trash cans with lids to prevent pests from accessing food scraps and creating breeding grounds for flies and other insects. Get into the habit of emptying all bins at least once every day.45. Trim vegetation and remove debris
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Maintain a tidy yard by trimming bushes, trees, and shrubs away from your home to reduce hiding places for pests and minimize access points to the interior. Remove leaf piles, mulch, and yard debris that can harbor pests like ants, spiders, and rodents.46. Repair moisture issues
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Fix plumbing leaks, drips, and standing water sources promptly to eliminate moisture that attracts pests such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, and termites. Use dehumidifiers in basements, crawlspaces, and bathrooms to reduce humidity levels and discourage mold growth.47. Install screens and meshes
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Install window screens, door sweeps, and vent covers to prevent flying insects, mosquitoes, and pests from entering your home while allowing for ventilation. Repair or replace damaged screens and meshes to maintain effective barriers. Don't put it off!48. Use natural repellents
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Incorporate natural pest repellents such as essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, citronella) or herbs (e.g., basil, rosemary, mint) around windows, doorways, and outdoor seating areas to deter insects like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. These can be very effective.49. Practice garden maintenance
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Regularly inspect and weed your garden, prune overgrown plants, and remove dead foliage to reduce hiding spots and breeding grounds for pests like aphids, caterpillars, and snails. Consider planting pest-resistant varieties and using companion planting techniques to deter insect pests.50. Schedule routine pest inspections
