Pests can be a serious nuisance to homeowners. In some cases they can do real damage to a home. Not all pests are easy to spot. Some keep a low profile and you have to look carefully to find clues of their existence. Here are four possible signs that you have sneaky pests lurking in your home.

Damage to Your Home or Furniture

Sometimes you don’t see the pests themselves but only the damage that they cause. Termites and carpenter ants, for example, leave holes in wooden beams, floors or furniture. Another sign of wood-destroying pests are small piles of sawdust. Rodents may gnaw through food packages or anything made of wood or plastic. If you notice teeth marks or signs of gnawing anywhere around your home, chances are you have pests. Pests that are causing visible damage are a serious threat to your home. If you see evidence of damage, you should call an experienced pest control service as soon as possible.

Droppings

Droppings are another clue that pests are around. The droppings of rodents and larger pests are easiest to spot. These are usually small pellets, which may appear on the floor, in the sink or on counter tops. Mice in particular are good climbers, so you may find droppings in pots, on the stove or anywhere that they might be searching for food. Insect droppings may appear as dark spots. Bedbugs leave feces in the form of blood specks. Search for droppings in out of the way places, including closets, basements and storage spaces.

Sounds

Larger pests such as mice may not be visible during the day. They’re more likely to be lurking around the house at night, when they hunt for food. You may hear them scurrying across the floor or jumping on tables or counters. You can set traps for mice and other rodents. You should also be careful to seal food in airtight containers as rodents can easily gnaw through cardboard packaging.

Carcasses and Body Parts

If you find dead insects or body parts, such as wings, around your home, chances are there are live pests nearby as well. Places to look for this evidence includes windowsills, closets, attics, basements and under furniture. If you’re not sure what species of pest you’re dealing with, you should consult with a pest control service in Arlington or your particular locale.

Insects, rodents and other pests can cause serious problems in your home. Even apparently minor infestations can quickly become worse if you don’t deal with them promptly. You can take basic measures and precautions to get rid of your pest problem. If these don’t work, it’s advisable to seek professional help.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.