Warm weather brings out pests that were dormant during the winter months. This means that you will see a lot more of the pests than you did during the cold season. Here are some signs of common pests to watch out for as the weather warms.
Droppings and Other Types of Leavings
If there is a rodent in your home, you will be able to see signs of their presence in evidence like droppings. Rats and mice can leave urine and feces behind in many places, although you’ll typically find them in areas either rarely frequented or easy for them to hide such as the garage, attic, basement, and even your garden. Insects also leave evidence. For example, roaches leave behind fecal matter that is easy to spot. You may also find some dead insects on your window sills, meaning they live in your house. If you notice any of these signs, perform pest control measures and clean your home immediately.
Damage to Plants
If you have plants in your yard or garden, you will see signs of the pests attacking them. For example, aphids leave behind tiny holes in the leaves of plants, and scale insects can leave black spots on the surface of leaves. Other signs include holes in plant stems or flower buds and insect parts in the soil.
Tracks
When you see tracks on your door or windowsills, there are probably ants around somewhere as well. They will leave a trail of tiny footprints on windowsills and doors that lead back to their nests. You can also spot ant trails on floors by looking for piles of wood chips or sawdust scattered along the paths they take when they move around.
Smells and Sounds
Strange smells in your home indicate the presence of pests. For instance, bedbugs have a musty smell. The smell of rat urine is strong enough to be detected even if they are not seen. Check your home for other signs if you notice these smells. You will also hear sounds such as scratching, squeaking, pattering feet, and gnawing. It is easy to know there are rodents in your home because they produce a lot of noise.
Damage to Your Home
If you notice damage to your home, it is a sure sign of pests around. For instance, if you notice holes in the wall or your baseboards, rats could be behind them. If you notice holes in wires or pipes, there is likely a rat behind them too. The same goes for damage to electrical switches or appliances.
In conclusion, several signs can help you know that there are pests in your home. They range from simply finding evidence of their existence to actual damage to your home thanks to them being able to run rampant. Before you have an infestation on your hands, or at the very least in order to save your home, your health, and your wallet, you should jump getting rid of them as quickly as possible.