Think you might have an insect infestation?
Wondering what signs you should be looking for?
Many times when there is an insect infestation, homeowners don’t recognize it until it is much too late. There’s a large variety of insects that may cause problems in your house, so it’s important that keep an eye out for the signs. Luckily, there are plenty of indicators that you can look for which can give you a heads up early on.
Below we’ll give you our list of the 9 telltale signs of an insect infestation.
1. Structural Damage
Finding damage to the structure of your home is one thing that may point to a serious insect problem.
This may include holes in the floors or the walls of your home or hollowed out cracks and crevices. Termites, for example, will cause damage to the wood in your home, and that may include holes in furniture, walls, or floors.
If you notice some small but significant bits of damage to areas in your home, it may mean you have some kind of infestation on your hands. Extensive damage can be difficult to repair so you’ll need to look for the signs and stop it as soon as possible.
2. Plant Damage
If any plants in your home seem damaged or like they have been eaten or chewed up, then you may also have an insect problem.
Many insects will take bites out of any plants that you have in your home, so it can pay to look closely at your plants if you think there may be bugs present. Chewed up plants or grass can be a sign that you may have a bigger problem and that there are plenty of hungry insects in the vicinity.
3. Sounds in the Walls
If you start hearing strange sounds in the walls, it may be because you have a bug infestation.
While this may particularly be the case with larger pests such as rats and mice, you can sometimes hear the sounds of insects in your home as well. Crawlspaces, attics, and other areas that are dark and damp are more likely to have pests.
If you hear any sounds coming from the walls when you’re in bed at night, it may mean that you have an infestation of some kind.
4. Dead Bugs
If you see dead bugs lying around your home, it may be because you have an insect infestation. Dead bugs may start showing up often, particularly in basement or attic areas or on windowsills.
If you start seeing a lot of the same type of dead bug around your home, then it may mean that there are many live ones around as well. Because of this, you’ll definitely want to take notice if more dead bugs are starting to appear in your home.
5. Insect Droppings
You may not always see the insects themselves in your home, so you should also look out for other signs of life such as insect droppings. Droppings of different kinds may end up appearing in your house, and if they do, this can be a clear sign that there are some live bugs around who may be a threat to your home.
Different droppings will come from different insects so based on how they look you may be able to determine which pest you have. Roaches, termites, and beetles are among a few that will leave noticeable droppings in your home.
6. Nesting Evidence
If you see any signs of insect nesting in your home, then it may also mean that there is an issue.
Many insects will build a home of their own within your home, typically in places that you aren’t likely to look often such as in an attic, in the basement, behind appliances, or inside your walls. You may want to take a look around the different areas of your home and peek into cracks and crevices to see what you can find.
If you find evidence of nesting, then it may be time to hire a professional exterminator. These services, for example, can be a big help for dealing with a serious infestation.
7. Other Insect Remains
If you have found other insect remains in your home, it may also mean that you have an infestation that you may need to be worried about.
Aside from droppings and nesting evidence, insects may shed their skins or even leave entire carcasses behind. Egg sacs are also commonly left by all kinds of insects, and if you spot them, it may be a clear sign that there’s already an infestation, with even more insects on the way.
8. Bad Odors
Bad smells and odors can also be a telltale sign that your home has been infested with insects. Musty smells sometimes come to your home due to insect activity and may be the result of a buildup of droppings that have accumulated.
If you start noticing that your home doesn’t smell as good as it once did and your air freshener doesn’t seem to be doing its job, there may be a good reason for it. You may have a more serious insect problem in your home that needs to be dealt with immediately.
9. Tracks and Markings
Insects that infest your home may also leave tracks as well that will show you that they’re present. Some insects will move along the same path often when journeying to find food and water and these signs will be evident from time to time. Reddish-brown smear marks, for example, will sometimes be left by cockroaches on bathroom and kitchen tile.
While rats and mice will leave much bigger marks than insects will, you can sometimes spot the path of insects as well if you look closely.
Dealing With an Insect Infestation
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, then that means you might have an insect infestation. Be sure to pay close attention to these signs and to observe your home closely if you want to stop an infestation in its tracks.
Once you notice that you have an infestation, it’s time to take action. Remember to call an exterminator immediately so that you can make your home free from pests again.
