Are The Signs Of Pest Control Problems Always Obvious?
When you're dealing with the possibility of pests on a property, identifying the problem is often the biggest challenge. The signs of pest control issues aren't always obvious. Even when it's evident that something is wrong, there could several possibilities that are pests. Here are five ways to improve your recognition of pest control problems.
Droppings
Fecal droppings are often the only signs that certain pests ever traveled through a building. Sizes and shapes will vary. Some creatures leave behind small and pellet-like droppings. Others may leave something slimier.
Notably, the pellet-like droppings may look like some of the tight balls that spiders leave behind from nesting or cocooning their prey. It is a diagnostic difference, but if you're seeing lots of those, it's just as strong a sign of a pest control issue.
Noises
Rodents are especially notorious for making noise in walls and ceilings. Many will scurry and make noise. Squirrels may even roll nuts that are going into their caches. Birds also produce lots of noise. Chirping is common, especially if a bird has nested with young. Insects are usually quieter. However, you may hear the hum of a colony of bees or similar flying insects.
Wood Shavings or Sawdust
Many animals and insects bore through wood. This process tends to leave behind either wood shavings or sawdust. Mice are especially prodigious at making holes that leave shavings. Oftentimes, you'll see shavings of paper, cotton, or other nesting materials. Termites, ants, and bees will usually leave behind sawdust. You will typically see small and circular holes, too.
Smells
Bugs and animals can leave behind smells, too. Where this gets tricky is in musty spaces. If the humidity is high enough in a basement, for example, there could be mold. However, mold doesn't always preclude pest control problems. Termites prefer damper wood, anyhow.
If you catch a scent of ammonia or urine, there's a good chance you're dealing with some kind of mammal. Also, a general smell of decay may accompany pests that are dying in large numbers. Some insects shed, too. The decomposition of the materials from large numbers of insects can produce a smell of decay.
Damaged Plants
Pest control extends to the outdoors. Some species will eat plants. Others will damage them just by moving by. Yet others will use the plants for nesting materials or as nests.
Not all outdoor pests stay outside, either. Many bugs will use trees or gardens as jumping-off points for new colonies in buildings and homes. For more information, contact a pest control company near you.
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