Pest Control: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Pest Problem in Your Home

Owning property comes with a lot of challenges. While some, like non-essential repairs, can be postponed, some can’t be ignored. Whether you are living in a rented apartment, your forever home, a landlord, or in the market to buy your first home, the presence of bugs and pests cuts into your investment. While termites are the most thought of pest type, there are dozens of bugs and pests you should worry about.

For new homeowners, learning how to get rid of rats, termites, bugs, and other pests immediately after completing a property purchase is devastating. Read on to understand why regular pest inspection and control is important and shouldn’t be ignored.

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Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Pest Problem

Homeowners shouldn’t ignore pest problems for the following reasons:

Pests can cause structural damage – Termites, ants, and rodents can cause significant destruction to buildings. If uncontrolled, pests can damage walls, electrical wirings, insulation, and important structural components. These pests can cause significant damage if they reproduce successfully. Unfortunately, most homeowners haven’t insured their homes against pest damage.
Health and safety issues – Occupants can also suffer serious health and safety issues due to pest infestation. Insects, rodents, and bugs can cause health issues ranging from asthma and allergies to infectious diseases. They are also a fire risk. Interestingly, rodents consume or contaminate approximately 20% of the global food supply. Leaving pest infestation uncontrolled severely affects food establishments and local household kitchens.
No peace of mind – You can’t live comfortably if your house is infested by pests or on the verge of such infestation. A pest infestation can easily become a large issue if the problem is neglected. Homeowners should proactively work towards ensuring their homes are pest-free.

Pest Infestation Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Not all pests are harmful, and some are tolerable. However, you should know the warning signs of an impending pest infestation and when to reach out to a pest control service near you. Below are signs your home is on the verge of pest infestation:

Tapping at the door chamber – You should suspect pest infestation, specifically termites, if you start hearing tapping inside your walls. The tapping sounds result from termites munching up and down wood surfaces. While they are tiny and weak, termites are powerful in groups and cause significant structural damage.
Web slingers – Spiders are intimidating to most homeowners, especially with some species being poisonous. However, spiders eat other insects, which helps control the population of other pests. The presence of web slingers in your home is an indication that your home is infested by other insects. Instead of destroying or killing non-poisonous spiders, consider moving them to external areas of your home.
Dirty beddings – Unfortunately, homeowners can’t memorize or identify droppings of most common pests. However, droppings from common pests, such as rats and bed bugs, can easily be identified. Most bed bug infestations spread through vacation luggage. Your recent hotel visit might be the source of your next pest infestation. Small spots of brown, red, or brown color could be blood or fecal matter from bed bugs.
Nearby ant hills – While spotting ants within your house’s vicinity isn’t unusual, finding an ant hill is a cause for alarm. It is normal for ants to shuffle across your porch or sidewalk. However, an ant hill close to your home indicates ant infestation.
Gnaw marks – The baseboard is attractive for most critters, especially mice. Gnaw marks, or loosely lying wood pieces, are a sign of sneaky creatures.
Nesting evidence – pests always look for hiding places in your home. Anytime they find a dark spot or hidden space, they start constructing a nest. If you don’t inspect your home regularly, the nest might last months. You should be on the lookout for signs of nesting, such as shredded pieces of clothing, paper, and insulation. Always inspect nooks and crannies in your home.
Small holes – Small holes, even the size of a pencil eraser tip, are big enough for mice to pass through. If small holes start surfacing in your home, they are an entry point for most pests. Ensure that you seal them immediately to avoid pest infestation.
Tracks – Some pests sneak through your home without leaving much evidence. However, others leave a clear track. Be on the lookout for grease marks and trail of droppings.

Pest Control Do’s and Don’ts

Whether pest infestation is at its early stages or advanced, you should swing into full pest control mode to prevent further damage. While this is better left to professional exterminators, you should know the following pest control do’s and don’ts.

Do try prevention – Mitigating pest infestation is costly and tedious. You should proactively implement any pest prevention measures. For instance, ensure your kitchen is free of crumbs, fix leaking pipes, seal holes, and observe good hygiene.
Do identify the problem – Knowing which pest you are dealing with is the first step to successful pest control. Fortunately, you can easily identify mice, rat droppings, and signs of termite damage.
Do call pest control professionals – Dealing with pests and vermin in your home is certainly unpleasant. Nothing is frustrating as creepy critters in your kitchen, attic, basement, and living room. If you start noticing the signs mentioned above, consider calling the professionals. They have the right knowledge, skills, and tools to exterminate pests permanently.
Don’t ignore pest problems – Pests are unpleasant and pose serious health risks to homeowners and other occupants. For instance, cockroaches leave behind fecal matter, saliva, and eggs that exacerbate allergies. Rats also spread hantavirus, which can be fatal.
Don’t use the wrong chemicals – Most hardware stores have sprays, traps, and powders claiming to solve pest problems. While these chemicals can provide short-term solutions, they are not overly effective. Indoor and outdoor formulas are full of chemicals that can endanger your health.
Don’t underestimate in-wall treatments – Customers and builders shouldn’t overlook the importance of in-wall treatments. They are innovative pest control products that prevent pest infestation.

Endnote

Mice, ants, termites, cockroaches, spiders, and rodents are creepy annoyances that can destroy your humble abode. Homeowners should proactively inspect their homes for signs of pest infestation and hire professional pest exterminators for immediate pest remediation.