As a homeowner, being aware of the signs of pest infestation is critical for the health and safety of your family. Whether you’re experiencing an infestation in your current home or are looking for key signs of pests when house hunting, it’s important to get pest control services as soon as possible. In this article, we will highlight different signs that can help you identify a pest problem in your property, and when to consider hiring Whittlesea pest control professionals.
Damage to the Property
Physical damage to your home may be a sign of a pest infestation. Termites, for instance, cause structural damage by gnawing on wood, which can lead to small holes in floors and walls. Additionally, you might notice gnaw marks on furniture, indicative of rats and mice, who love to chew. Depending on the type of pest, the damage will vary. Hence, it’s important to call a pest professional for a thorough pest inspection.
Damaged Plants
Your outdoor garden plants can provide an early indication of an infestation. Pests like rodents and insects tend to gnaw on the edges of grass blades, resulting in uneven grass length or large damaged patches of lawn. More subtle signs could include damaged plants in your garden, a favourite food source for many pests. When looking for signs of a pest infestation in your lawn or garden, check for these common signs and make a booking with a professional pest control service if needed.
Take Note of Any Foul Odours
A musty odour is one of the signs of a pest infestation that is easy to spot. For instance, if there’s a rodent infestation, you might notice an unpleasant smell from droppings or urine. Also, cockroaches can leave a musty odour that can be a clear sign of an infestation. However, not all pests produce detectable odours, so don’t solely depend on this for your pest management system.
Grease Marks and Grease Tracks
Pests like rats and mice tend to travel along the same routes, leaving dark grease marks along floors and walls as they move. These grease marks can signal a rodent infestation and are a key sign to look for when inspecting a new property. Rodents are good at hiding, so you might not see the creatures themselves, but their trails and entry points for pests can be easier to find.
Weird Noises
Many homeowners report hearing weird noises before they find pest droppings or spot any physical damage. Rodents, in particular, are known to make scratching sounds as they move around inside walls and ceilings. These sounds, typically heard at night when rodents are most active, may be dealing with a rodent infestation.
FAQ
What’s the real damage a pest infestation can inflict?
Pests might seem small, but their impact can be enormous! Not only can they wage war on your property (think termites munching on wood, or rodents gnawing through just about anything), but they also pose a direct risk to your health.
From food contamination to spreading diseases, pests have an uncanny ability to turn a comfortable home into a source of discomfort and worry. Plus, let’s not forget those irksome wasp stings and ant bites!
I’m suspicious about termites in my house. What should I look for?
Termites are like secret agents – stealthy and often undetected until it’s too late. But there are a few telltale signs that can help you unveil their covert operations. Notice tiny holes in your woodwork? Or does knocking on the wood produce a hollow sound? Then, you might be dealing with these home-wrecking pests.
Be on the lookout for something that resembles small, wooden pellets (that’s termite poop!) or discarded wings that look like mini fish scales. And, if you’re not a fan of detective work, getting a professional to do a termite inspection could save you time and hassle.
Can I tackle a pest infestation solo-style?
Brave as it might be to go all-in against pests, it’s not always the best route. DIY pest control solutions might offer some relief, but they’re often outmatched when it comes to significant infestations. Pest control professionals don’t just come in, wave a magic wand, and make pests disappear.
They have a deep understanding of various pests, their habits, and the most effective ways to deal with them. Plus, they can offer advice on how to turn your home into a fortress against future invasions.
How frequently should I roll out the red carpet for a pest inspection?
Well, this depends on a few things. How often has your home been gatecrashed by pests before? Is your property older than the antique clock in the living room? What’s the pest situation in your area? Taking these into account, a yearly pest inspection is usually a good baseline.
But if your property is like a magnet for pests or if you live in an area that’s a pest hotspot, then you might need to invite the pest professionals over more often. It’s always good to have a chat with a pest expert to figure out an inspection schedule that suits your needs.
Conclusion
Pest infestations are a serious concern for homeowners in Australia and elsewhere. They can cause significant damage to your property and can pose health risks. However, being able to identify signs of an infestation is the first step in managing this issue.
Whether it’s damage to your home, damaged plants, foul odours, grease marks, or strange noises, these signs can indicate you’re dealing with unwanted visitors like rodents, ants, wasps, termites or cockroaches. Remember, it’s essential to seek help from a professional pest control service quickly and efficiently to handle your pest problem.
Ensure regular inspections, housekeeping and cleaning, and safe food storage practices to deter these pests in your home. Don’t let these pesky intruders turn your dream home into a nightmare. If you’re impressed with the service of a pest professional, consider setting up regular inspections to ensure your next home remains pest-free.