In our generation today, people mainly check out DIY videos to save themselves the extra expenses. However, handling pests by yourself can be very tricky, not to mention messy. You might not notice how you’ve already been sharing your home with one. It’s best to leave it to pest control professionals. They include eradication and management of all kinds of unwanted house pests. To know when you’ll need one, below are common house pests and a few warning signs.
American Cockroaches
Some cockroaches can grow up to 3 inches (7.62 cm) long but are mostly only 1-2 inches. These types of cockroaches are known for their figure-8 pattern behind their head that is yellowish. Once they’re fully grown, both genders have wings that sit longer than their body, allowing them to fly. They are attracted to highly humid areas such as leaky pipes or other fixtures with water leaks. Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms are places for roach habitation.
Termites
You’re lucky if there aren’t any termites that live in the soil that surrounds your home. You might save yourself the hassle of these wood-damaging pests that have accounted for $5 billion in damage repairs to most US homes. Termites usually forage for cellulose material in dead plants, fallen timber, and wood debris. Colonies can quickly develop if the soil is in good condition for termite infestation. Fortunately, they are not dangerous to humans. However, their capability to search for food in houses can lead to extreme damage that can cause you hefty prices in repair.
Carpenter Ants
These social insects are one of the largest species of ant in the United States. Seeing giant black ants around your home might signify that you might have a carpenter ant problem. They usually leave tiny piles of sawdust – known as“frass”– as they burrow through the wood. Frass can pile underneath a nest’s site and will often include remains of other dead insects. Like termites, they infest wood in homes, but they prefer water-damaged wood since it’s softer.
Mice
Like all rodents, house mice have sharp and continuously growing incisors. To prevent them from overgrowing, mice have to chew on hard objects consistently. This leads to damaged furniture, appliances, and clothes. Mice will try to chew whatever they can get their teeth into. They are also easily attracted to homes with quick access to food, water, and shelter.
You might have DIY projects in mind, but doing this yourself will take you multiple attempts before getting it right. You might think you’ve gotten rid of them, but then a cockroach suddenly shows up at your doorstep. It’s safe to say to leave these tasks to experts. They are specially trained to handle these kinds of situations.
Warning Signs That You Need Pest Control at Home
1. Damaged Property
Mice, termites, and ants are usually the kinds to leave gnawed wood, fabric, and wires all over your house. They are the type to burrow themselves in small and narrow places as well. Despite their efforts to hide deep and remain unseen, you will eventually notice the marks they leave in the distant corners if you’re adamant enough. Try checking floorboards or clothes you haven’t used in a while.
2. Droppings and Remains
Although you might never see them, their remains are everywhere. You will see tiny raisin-like droppings or piles of dust that might be left by termites or beetles. Other than manure, whole insects and body parts are also carelessly lying around the house. You’ll most likely find these droppings and remains under the stove, cracks in your wall, in the attic, and your cabinets.
If you find them resting on a windowsill, it’s mostly because plenty of insects are quickly drawn to the light by the sun and the moon. In this situation, the probability that a specific type of pest has infested your house is high.
3. Unexplained Sounds
If you hear any noise, especially at night where most rodents are up and about, then the culprits you are most likely looking for are mice or squirrels. Although, there is a tiny chance that they are due to carpenter ants or termites. Whether they are scratching in the walls or the ghostly sounds of pitter-pattering feet, you’ve found yourself the indication to call for pest control.
4. Creepy Crawlies
The most visible indicator: actual sightings. Spiders, cockroaches, ants, mice, termites, and the like, even if you only see one, there is undoubtedly more living in the vicinity. Deal with the issue immediately before the infestation gets out of hand.
Keeping pests out can be difficult, especially if you live in an area where these kinds of problems are prevalent. Maintaining a clean house is a lot of work if you have a busy lifestyle. If you’ve checked all the given warning signs, it’s best to say that it’s time to call pest control and get it right the first time.