Many times, a pest infestation is not so apparent as seeing ants marching across the counter or spotting mice darting under your refrigerator. No, it can be much more subtle - but no less serious.
How do you know your home is about to be infested? You have to watch for the signs. Here are six signs your home is about to be infested by pests.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE TELLTALE SIGNS YOU’RE HEADING FOR AN INFESTATION:
1. AN UPTICK IN SPIDERS.
Believe it or not, spiders can be a problem all year. While they are typically most active during the late summer and autumn months, you can see them even in the depths of winter. You are likely going to see at least a few at some point each year, but what if your house seems to be crawling with spiders? That is an indication you may be experiencing an infestation.
Ok, so obviously you have a spider problem, but it goes beyond that.
Since spiders feast on insects, seeing more spiders means you have some pest problems going on. The spiders may help control these populations in the short term, but breeding is fast and frequent with insects. The spiders are only going to consume what they need. Pest control is not their job.
Worse yet, there are only four types of venomous spiders in our area. However, the longer you have a pest infestation, the higher the chance you will start to attract brown recluses, black widows, false black widows, and yellow sac spiders.
Not Just Spiders:
It’s not just spiders, but if you are suddenly seeing a lot of ladybugs; again, since they feed on insects, they’re chowing down on other pests that are present in the home. Indoor plant life can attract aphids, which is the primary diet of ladybugs.
So, if your home is full of ladybugs, it means it is likely full of something else.
2. YOU HEAR TAP, TAP, TAP.
Signs are not always going to be visual. Some pests will provide audible signs. Termites, for example, are exceptionally difficult to see with the naked eye. They are the type of pest that is great at hiding and concealing evidence.
However, you may hear a faint tapping sound in your walls. At first, you will probably assume it is nothing, but if it persists, it’s not something to ignore. It is likely termites damaging and destroying your home! If you hear tapping, you must call your exterminator ASAP! The tapping sound is caused because they are banging their heads against the walls.
While we’re on the topic of termites, you may also notice some visual signs (even though these may not be as prevalent or obvious as the tapping within your walls:
- Little piles of shed wings that look like small fish scales
- Mud tubes/tunnels along your external walls
- Small wood-colored droppings (frass)
- Peeling paint and/or weakened floors
Regardless of what signs indicate the presence of termites, you need to take care of this infestation immediately. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage and make it incredibly difficult to sell your home.
3. YOU JUST BOUGHT SECOND-HAND FURNITURE (OR A MATTRESS).
While buying pre-owned furniture and other items is a great way to reduce, reuse, and save money, it can also introduce pests into your home. Uninvited visitors can hitch a ride on that great sofa or inside the wooden desk you just picked up.
A particularly nasty concern is bedbugs. They can come in on soft, upholstered items, like mattresses, couches, linens, drapery, etc. Look for signs of bed bugs before you bring an item into your home, such as little brown spots, and it is best to stay away from used mattresses altogether.
Your home - and your back - will thank you.
4. YOU HAVE BEEN TRAVELING.
Have you been traveling during the holiday season? If so, you should be on the lookout for a bed bug infestation.
In addition to second-hand furniture, bed bugs love to hide in the bedding, clothing, and furniture of hotels and your relatives’ houses. However, they are rarely content to stay in one place. They love to travel and are excellent hitchhikers.
You are susceptible to have picked up these traveling pests if you:
- Left your luggage open in your hotel or lodging space
- Unpacked your clothes on your bedding
- Put your clothes on any furniture
- Did not line your bag with plastic
- Did not wash all your clothes in hot water after traveling
- Did not immediately vacuum out your luggage
- Saw evidence of red marks or bites after traveling
Bed bugs will not go away on their own. If you have the signs of bed bugs, you need to contact your exterminator.
5. YOU LEAVE YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPEN.
Roll out the welcome mat! Pests will love your home as it provides easy and convenient shelter. But you don’t even need to leave the door open; mice, rats, and other pests can fit through incredibly small cracks and gaps.
Seal your entryways up before you’re dealing with an infestation. Also, look over your basement, attic, and around your doors and windows to take care of any spots that could invite pests in.
6. YOUR NEIGHBORS HAVE PEST PROBLEMS.
Unfortunately, pests don’t really obey social niceties. Closed doors and windows don’t mean much to them.
If your neighbors have problems with pests, it is likely that they will also find their way into your home. Take proactive steps to ensure they stay out!
HOW TO CHOOSE AN EXTERMINATOR
If you have the signs of an infestation, you need to find a trustworthy exterminator.
Since its founding in 1972, Rid-A-Bug Exterminating, Inc. has been family-owned and operated. We've been providing high-quality exterminating in the area for over five decades while maintaining exceptional customer service.
Rid-A-Bug Exterminating provides pest control that is quick, trustworthy, and efficient. When you need us the most, our expert professionals can arrive quickly and provide solutions to your pest problem. Our team has all the licenses and certifications you would expect:
- Licensed, Certified and Registered staff – North Carolina Department of Agriculture
- WDIR Accredited Inspectors – North Carolina Pest Management Association
- Quality Pro Certified – National Pest Control Management Association
- NC Wildlife Damage Control Agent – NC Wildlife Commission
- TAP Insulation Certified Installer
This ensures that Rid-A-Bug is a reputable pest treatment and management company for residents of the Carolinas and Virginia. Our staff is prepared to respond fast, usually within 24 hours, and has all of the necessary experience and expertise to eliminate your pests.
The team at Rid-a-Bug are the region’s top exterminator and pest control experts. We’re here to help; if you notice any of these signs, take action immediately to get rid of pests - and better yet, keep them from coming back. Contact Rid-A-Bug before your infestation gets out of control.