Three signs you’ve got unwanted pests in your home

15 Jul 2024

Three signs you’ve got unwanted pests in your home

Top Signs to look out for

Droppings
Scratches, tracks and other marks
Noises and smells

Pests can be problematic when they venture inside our homes. A large influx of creatures will be obvious, but it’s best to learn to spot the signs of a small infestation so you can crack down on the issue before it jeopardises your health or property..

If you’re not sure what you should be looking out for, here are three signs you’ve got unwanted pests in your home.

Droppings

Pest droppings are perhaps one of the most obvious indicators of critters beginning to share your home, so long as you know how to identify them. They can be easily mistaken for other things at first if they’re not accompanied by other signs.

Droppings tend to look like small pieces of dirt, and it’s usually the location they’re found in that helps us to identify them – while you may find dirt near entrances to your home, droppings can occur all over the house and are often found in unfrequented areas such as behind furniture or in cupboards.

Scratches, tracks and other marks

Unfortunately for homeowners, pests can cause a lot of damage. For example, many of us have experienced the holes left in clothes by moths and in furniture by woodworm beetles. You may also spot scratches on furniture that have been left by bigger animals such as mice or rats.

Similarly, you’ll want to be on the lookout for animal tracks and other signs that a pest has been scurrying around, like grease marks from small insects or footprints from larger mammals.

Noises and smells

Unusual noises and odours are commonly experienced with a pest infestation. You may hear scratching and scuttling sounds, indicative of rodents being present, or the rustling of smaller insects like cockroaches and termites.

Many pests also give off certain smells. In fact, this can be a really useful way of identifying the species that might be present in your home. For example, bed bugs are known for having a musky, sweet smell, while cockroaches are often described as smelling ‘oily’. Similarly, mice and rats can be recognised by their distinct smell of ammonia.

How can you keep pests out of your home?

It can be tough to eliminate a pest infestation. For this reason, most people try to prevent animals and insects from entering their homes in the first place.

Start by sealing any cracks or holes through which pests could enter your home, such as gaps in floorboards and doorways, or windows that don’t shut properly. It doesn’t take long for pests to seek out an entrance to your home, particularly if they pick up on the scent of food nearby – so be sure to dispose of perishable items immediately after use to avoid tempting animals and insects into your home.

Remember to keep on top of the cleaning to avoid mould growth which could attract insects – you’ll need to keep your house dry to ensure your living areas don’t become too humid. Ultimately, your goal should be to make your home as uninhabitable as possible for common pests. If you’re struggling to keep any small creature at bay, be sure to reach out to an expert for advice on eliminating the infestation.