Pests can significantly damage your property and put your health at risk. Fortunately, you can identify the early signs of an infestation and take swift action to prevent a full-blown invasion.
This comprehensive guide will teach you how to detect a pest problem, so you can prevent those tiny intruders from gaining a foothold and protect your spaces. Read on!
What Is a Pest Infestation?
A pest infestation occurs when a population of unwanted animals or organisms becomes so large and widespread that it causes food contamination, property damage, or health risks.
There isn’t just one type of pest infestation but many. The following are the most common examples:
- Insect infestation: Cockroaches, ants, bed bugs, spiders, and fleas can infest homes and commercial settings, causing sanitary problems and structural damage.
- Rodent infestation: Mice and rats can also infest spaces, contaminating food and spreading diseases.
- Other pests: If their population grows too much, racoons, skunks, opossums, and bats can also become problematic.
What Scenario Can Lead to Pest Infestation?
Unfortunately, several factors can contribute to pest infestation and proliferation, including the following:
- Warm, humid conditions that favour pest proliferation
- Floods and other extreme weather events that displace pests
- Food crumbs, spills, and trash that attracts pests
- Improperly stored pet food that can be a feast for other animals
- Cluttered areas where pests can hide
- Uncleanliness and poor sanitation that invites pests
Common Signs of a Pest Infestation
Infestations usually start out small but can quickly become a major problem if left unchecked. Early detection and professional pest control are crucial to avoid potential consequences.
In this regard, these are the most common signs of pest infestation:
Unusual Droppings
An unusual dropping often means there’s a pest infestation. Cockroaches leave behind feces that look like coffee grounds or black pepper, while rodents are known for their small, pellet-shaped poop, for example.
If you spot these signs in key areas, such as your kitchen, basement, or cabinets, you should call a pest control service provider.
Visible Damage
Rodents and insects can use certain materials as a food source or as a place to build their nests. It’s common for these animals to chew through wiring, food packaging, furniture, and other goods.
Ideally, you should inspect your belongings and storage areas frequently, looking for gnaw marks, holes, or tears. These signs may indicate pest infestation.
Strange Sounds
Pests aren’t silent but usually make scratching, scurrying, and squeaking sounds, especially at night.
Are these sounds coming from your property’s walls, floors, or ceilings? That may be a sign of pest infestation.
Unpleasant Odours
Besides making noise, pests produce a distinctive smell. A bed bug may emit a sweet, fusty scent, while musty odours are often associated with rodent infestation.
Have you noticed a strange smell on your property? It may be time to get it inspected by experts.
Physical Sightings
If you physically see unwanted animals or organisms, chances are that’s a pest infestation. Unfortunately, this usually suggests that it has become a bigger problem.
Many pests avoid daylight. Seeing these animals during the day may mean their population is too large.
Nests or Hives
Wasps, bees, and other insects build hives high up, especially in trees and attics. Mice and rats use soft materials, such as paper and fabric, to build nests in dark, hidden places.
Did you find a nest or hive? This is another obvious sign of pest infestation.
Grease Marks and Tracks
Although they aren’t common in all pest infestations, grease marks and tracks along surfaces may indicate that there are rodents on your property.
Mice and rats often accumulate oils and dirt in their fur, leaving marks and tracks in the areas through which they regularly travel.
Structural Damage
Certain pests like carpenter ants and termites can cause structural damage and compromise properties’ integrity.
If there are small holes in your walls and floors, or you see hollow-sounding and blistering wood, contact pest management specialists as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Pest Infestations Early
Do you want to prevent pests from spreading on your property? Consider the following tips:
- Seal any gaps, openings, cracks, and crevices that pests may use for entry
- Regularly clean your property, removing food remains, spills, debris, and standing water
- Properly dispose of garbage using sealed bins with tight-fitting lids
- Store food in airtight containers that pests cannot access
- Remove clutter from your property
- Schedule regular inspections to identify potential pest problems
- Implement Integrated Pest Management (IMP) practices
Using Professional Pest Control Service
Professional pest control is essential to address infestations and avoid future problems, as this service includes:
- Inspection: This step is necessary to identify potential signs of pests and assess the extent of the infestation.
- Treatment: After inspection, it’s time to choose the right solutions and develop customized treatment plans to eradicate pests, which may include chemical sprays, traps, and other methods.
- Prevention: Entry points are sealed, weather conditions are treated, and attractants are removed to prevent future pest infestations.
- Education: You’ll learn about measures you can take to prevent pests from taking over your property.
Final Thoughts: Are You Dealing with a Pest Infestation?
If you’re dealing with the presence of pests, you should seek professional pest control help. Otherwise, it can become a major problem.
Fortunately, Pro Trap has been providing pest control services to the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent area for over two decades. Call us for pest infestation removal when you need it most.
