No one wants to think about the possibility of having pests in their home. But the truth is, even the cleanest, most well-maintained homes can be susceptible to infestations. The key is to identify the signs of a potential problem so you can nip it in the bud before it gets out of control. In this blog, our experts will discuss common signs that your home might have an infestation.

Signs That Your Home Has a Rodent Infestation

One of the most common signs of a rodent infestation is the presence of droppings. Rodents tend to leave behind droppings wherever they travel, so if you see small, dark pellets in your cupboards, under your sink, or along your baseboards, it’s a good indication that you have a problem. Other signs of rodents include:

Gnawed food packages or electrical wiring.
Nesting materials like shredded paper or fabric.
Rub marks along walls and baseboards where their oily fur leaves smudges.

Signs That Your Home Has a Bed Bug Infestation

Bedbugs are notoriously difficult to spot because they’re incredibly small and tend to hide in cracks and crevices during the day. One of the most tell-tale signs of bedbugs is bites on your body that appear in a line or cluster. These bites are often itchy and can be mistaken for mosquito bites or allergic reactions. Other signs of bedbugs include:

Dark spots on your sheets, pillows, or mattress (these are their droppings).
Little white “rice-like” objects (these are their babies).
Blood stains on your sheets from squashed bugs.
A musty or stale smell, particularly in your bedroom.

Signs That Your Home Has a Spider Infestation

Spiders aren’t usually problematic indoors unless they’re venomous. However, even non-venomous spiders can be a nuisance. The best way to spot a spider infestation is to look for webs. You’ll find them in all the usual places, like corners, ceilings, and windowsills. Check less obvious places like under furniture and inside closets as they tend to hide in dark, quiet areas. Spiders seek shelter indoors more frequently during the winter to escape the cold weather and mate comfortably. If you see a spider, there’s a good chance there are many more you have not seen.

Signs That Your Home Has a Termite Infestation

Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes every year, so it’s important to catch an infestation early. The easiest way to spot termites is by looking for swarms near your home. Termites will swarm near light sources, so you might see them near windows or doors. Another sign of termites is “mud tubes,” which are small tunnels made out of the soil that extend from the ground up to the wood framing of your home. Termites use these tunnels to protect themselves from predators and humidity control as they travel between their nests and food source. If you tap on these tubes and they sound hollow, it’s a good indication that there are termites inside. Finally, keep an eye out for any structural damage to your home. Bubbling paint or doors and windows that stick could be evidence of termites eating away at the wood framing of your house.

Contact the Professionals

If you have noticed any signs that your home may be housing unwanted tenants, the more effective way to get rid of the problem is to contact a professional. Do-it-yourself tactics, such as mouse traps, will work to an extent, but they are futile when facing a full-blown infestation.

All kinds of pests can infest your home without you noticing, so you need an efficient and effective pest control team that has your back when pests try to move in. That’s where the Econex Pest Management team comes in. Contact our pest control experts today at (888) 508-4205.