Nobody wants to come home after a long day at work, needing to feed a hungry family only to be met eye to eye with some kind of rodent or pest that has chosen to make your home its own. A pest infestation might start out small, but unless you deal with the situation promptly and effectively, it can very quickly take over your house and turn what might have only been a relatively minor fix into whole-house fumigation, costing thousands and causing you to move out for a couple of days. However, we’re sure you already know that. But what you might not be aware of is how to spot the early signs so that you avoid the fate of a more extensive pest control operation.
You Notice Perculaur-Looking Mud Tubes
Termites are perhaps one of the more common pest infestations that can occur in a house, particularly in certain areas where the climate is conducive to their existence. One of the best termite control in Atlanta notes they’re especially prevalent in Georgia, which is home to almost every species of termite found in the United States! A tell-tale sign that you have a problem is when you sport small mud tubes appearing around your home, notably near wood. In order to go between their underground nests and food supplies, subterranean termites create tiny pencil-sized tunnels. Search under crawl spaces, around any wood that comes into touch with the earth, and along foundation walls.
Look For Droppings
Droppings are a surefire sign that your home has squatters and those of a much larger variety than you might want. In most cases, droppings will indicate that you have a rodent infestation and that you need to call in the pros to deal with it before it becomes a more serious issue. Rodents, in particular, can carry all manner of nasty diseases, and because they run around pretty much every surface possible, it’s very likely that you will come in contact with their detritus at some point and possibly become seriously ill. While adults can nearly recover from most diseases these critters carry, children are far more susceptible to serious illnesses, so you need to make it a priority to have them removed or exterminated.
Unusual Noises At Night
Scurrying, chewing, gnawing, and more could be another clue that you have been invaded by the very things you would rather remain outside. While you may not be able to tell conclusively what is causing these noises, it’s almost always going to be something undesirable and unwanted. The primary advantage of knowing where the noise is originating from is that you can place poisons and traps in these areas, making it more likely you’ll get rid of the problem.
Damaged Food Packaging In Your Pantry
Most rodents and pests are animals of chance, and because most of us store copious amounts of dry food in cupboards and pantries, it’s like Christmas has come early for them. Once you notice any damaged packaging, you should discard it immediately and make efforts to fix the issue.
Knowing you have an infestation is only half the battle, but a struggle you must start if you’re to get through it. Once you notice any of the signs discussed here, you should call in pest control, who can come up with a plan to get your life back to normal.