Common Signs of Insect Infestations: Knowing When to Take Action
It is that time of year where the leaves have dazzled us, and our breath starts to crystalize just slightly in the cooling air. In many areas, people wrap chilled hands around warm drinks, cozy in new sweaters and thicker socks.
Like us, pests are also looking to hunker down in someplace warm and cozy. Unfortunately for many unsuspecting property owners, this makes your home or business an appealing place for pests to settle.
What is a Pest Infestation?
The presence of several pests at once, or a sudden increase in the number
of pests, is considered an infestation. If you are experiencing signs of infestation by insects or other pests, it is advised to quickly take action to stop the spread and to protect those who spend time in your home or business.
Danger of Pest Infestations
Pests often carry diseases that can be spread to humans. Many pests' droppings are also toxic to humans or can spread disease to pets and humans. If you are noticing signs of a pest infestation, it is important to take action quickly to protect the humans and pets that spend time in your home or office.
Pests like rodents and mosquitoes, spread vector-borne diseases to humans like Lyme disease and rabies. Asthma and allergies can often be triggered-sometimes seriously-by pests like cockroaches. Like many other public health pests, bedbugs are incredibly difficult to control and can easily spread to other buildings and homes. Act now to control any suspected infestations to better protect yourself, your family and your guests.
What are the signs of an Infestation?
The experts at MosquitoNix® have created the following set of questions to help you determine if you are facing an infestation of pests. If you answer yes to any of the questions below, you should contact an exterminator right away.
Have you seen pests in your home or business?
If your answer is yes, chances are you have an infestation. Many pests that cause infestations, like bed bugs, termites, or cockroaches, travel in groups. If you see one, it is best to assume there are many more hidden in your walls, basement, or in other hard-to-reach and out of view spots.
Are you spotting bug shells?
Some pests, like bed bugs and cockroaches, molt and leave behind their empty shells. If you notice one or more of these discarded shells, it is best to assume they will increase quickly if you do not act to control a possible infestation.
Have you found pest droppings?
Pest droppings are mostly spotted in dark, enclosed spaces and spaces that are not often disturbed. Droppings can be an early indicator that you have an infestation of rodents, cockroaches, or termites. It is important to wear proper protection when handling or disturbing any droppings as many pests leave droppings that are toxic to humans.
If you are noticing droppings in cupboards, drawers, or any other space in your home or office, it is best to contact a professional to help you control the potential infestation.
Have you noticed foul odors?
Foul odors can also signal a potential infestation of pests. Many pest droppings are smelly and can indicate a problem brewing in your home or business. The smell of mold can also mean you have or may have an infestation in the future. Many pests are attracted by whatever organic matter is molding behind the scenes, so it is important to act quickly.
Have your neighbors suffered an infestation?
Pest infestations can spread rapidly. To effectively stop the spread of pests, you must quarantine and treat the entire property. When a building has more than one tenant or owner, like an apartment or a multi-business office building, it is important to work together to ensure the problem is properly taken care of, right away.
Prevention of a Pest Infestation
The best way to treat an infestation is to stop it from happening in the first place. The two best ways to guard against potential pests is to block entry int o your home or business and to eliminate sources of food and water for pests. Use the list below to protect your home or business from a pest infestation.
- Block entry to your home or business by sealing holes and patching up any gaps that may invite pests into your home.
- Use proper food storage guidelines and store food at least 6 inches off the floor.
- Clean and sanitize any food prep areas immediately after use.
- Routinely clean and sanitize your property, taking care to reach places that are out of the way and hard to reach.
- Repair leaky pipes or faucets. Remove any containers that could collect and store rainwater around your property.
Using these tips to prevent a pest infestation can save a lot of time and money. Unfortunately, these tips are not always enough to stop pests from entering and multiplying in your home. It is important that you act immediately to stop the spread of pests and to protect your family and guests.
Treatment of a Pest Infestation
There are many treatment options available for a pest infestation. Some infestations can be treated with pesticides that you can purchase yourself though it is important to keep all pesticides and chemicals out of the reach of children and pets. It is also important to keep children and pets away while applying any chemicals used for pest control.
Many people choose to hire an exterminator or pest control service like PestNix™
No More Pests. Period.
PestNix is a service we offer here at MosquitoNix. We are full service and have both conventional and eco-friendly options for pest control techniques. Our technicians are experts in their field, licensed, and fully background checked to ensure you receive the best pest control service possible. Contact us today to get a free estimate or to speak to one of our knowledgeable and friendly technicians.
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