Photo from Adobe Stock

Originally Posted On: 8 Telltale Signs of Bug Infestation (pegasuspest.com)

 

Are you worried that your home might be teeming with insects? If so, get to know the telltale signs of a bug infestation.

If you’re getting the heebie-jeebies just by thinking about pests in your home, you’ll want to make sure you know what to look for so you can get them out as soon as possible. Not only are bug infestations gross, but they are also hazardous to your health, can cause structural damage to your home, and can spread disease and bacteria.

These tips will help you identify the signs that you have an outbreak of pests in your home and need to hire an exterminator. Read on to learn what you should look for.

1. Bites

Getting bug bites after spending time outdoors, especially in the summer, is normal. However, if you start noticing that you are waking up with bites or have a large number of bites on you that can’t be explained by spending time outside, it may be a sign that you’ve got an infestation of bugs somewhere in your home.

Bedbugs might be the likely culprit, as they are tiny and hard to see, and typically come out to feed (read: bite you) at night. If you suspect bed bugs, do some inspecting of your bed, bedroom furniture, bedding, and other soft surfaces, such as your couches, chairs, and curtains. If you have bed bugs, you definitely need to call a professional pest company to take care of them.

 

2. Live Bugs

This is an obvious one. If you see live bugs in your home, you may have an infestation. A few bugs here or there are normal. Ants are often attracted to food that’s left out (including pet food) and can easily be addressed with ant traps. A spider here or there is normal and believe it or not, so is a cockroach or two (and seeing a cockroach doesn’t mean your house is dirty).

However, large numbers of live bugs in your home could spell trouble. If you have many bugs and can’t control them with normal bug removal methods, it might be a sign of a larger issue. Inspect the areas of your house where you find them to see if you can identify their access point and try to figure out what type of pest it is to try to get rid of it.

3. Dead Bugs

It might be tempting to think that dead bugs aren’t a problem, because they’re dead. However, it probably means that there are live bugs lurking elsewhere in your home. If you find a large number of dead ones, you’ll definitely want to do some investigating, especially if they are all the same type of pest.

4. Droppings

Rodents often leave droppings behind, and because of their size, the droppings are often noticeable, especially if there are a lot of mice, rats, or other unwanted guests in your home.

Bugs and insects leave droppings behind as well, although they might not be as noticeable. For example, termites leave behind piles of tiny brown pellets. If you find evidence of termite or other insect droppings, it could be a sign of a pest infestation in your home.

5. Bad Odors

Different pests give off different odors. If your home isn’t smelling as fresh as it used to, and you’re not sure why pests may be the cause.

Bedbugs have a sweet, almost nauseating odor, while cockroaches leave behind an oily, must smell. When it comes to rodents, mice leave a musty, urine smell (from their droppings and urine) while rat urine and droppings smell like ammonia.

If you can smell bugs in your home, it is not a good sign, as it means that they are already inside causing problems.

 

6. Tracks and Markings

Many insects and rodents move along the same paths, so you can actually see where they’ve been. Mice and rats often run along your walls, so check out your baseboards for oily stains or streaks. You can also look on the floor along the wall for urine trails or droppings.

Cockroaches often leave behind reddish-brown streaks, so check out your bathroom and kitchen floors for these telltale signs. It’s easier to identify the markings and tracks of rodents, but if pay enough attention, you can see them from insects as well.

 

7. Unexplained Noises

Mice and rats typically make noise at night, either in your walls or running around your home, but other insects can be heard as well. You might hear cockroaches running across your floors at night, especially in the kitchen or bathroom. Other insects may be in the walls, and when there are large numbers, you may hear them.

8. Damage to Your Home and Plants

If you notice damage to your walls, fabric in your home (such as curtains or fabric couches), or even plants, it might be a sign that you have an insect problem.

Termites will cause damage to the structure of your home, usually in crawlspace, basements, and attics. Moths can damage clothing and other fabric by laying eggs that hatch and feed off of the materials.

Recognize the Signs of a Bug Infestation Right Away

The sooner you recognize the signs of a bug infestation, the sooner you can address it. Not only can pests cause structural damage, but they can also spread disease and bacteria and pose a threat to you and your family. Not to mention, pests are typically not the type of guests that most people want in their homes!

If you suspect that your home is being taken over by pests, you should hire an exterminator. Pegasus Pest Control can handle all of your pest elimination needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.