Nobody wants to share their home with pests but it happens to lots of people. Pest infestation doesn't develop overnight. Usually, it happens slowly and quietly, mostly in places you don't see regularly. Then one day you notice something that shocks you to the core. The earlier you catch it and take necessary measures to fix it, the better. A smaller problem is easier to deal with than one that's been growing inside your walls for weeks or even months. In this guide, we discuss the signs of pest infestation in homes and everything related to it so you know what to do if you ever got yourself caught in a similar situation.
Pests don’t show up for no reason. Something in or around your home attracts them in. It could be something obvious or something you’d never think to connect to a pest infestation. Below are some of the most common causes that lead to pest infestation in homes:
This is the part people wish they had paid more attention to sooner. Pests leave plenty of evidence to let you know about their existence in your home. You just have to know what you’re looking at. Here are some signs that indicate something unwanted is living in your home without your permission
If you caught things early, there are some things you can do on your own before calling in a professional.
Set snap traps for mice and rats where you’ve seen activity
Use bait stations for ants and roaches
Apply insecticide dust in cracks and hard-to-reach spots like baseboards, or inside wall voids
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth along baseboards and near entry points as a non-toxic option
Seal food in airtight containers and don’t leave pet food sitting out overnight
Fix any leak pipes and wipe down counters after cooking
Seal any gaps you find around pipes windows and baseboards with caulk
Add weatherstripping to doors and windows
The best pest problem is the one that never happens. Here are some simple yet effective habits that keep pests away.
Keeping all you food including pet food, in sealed containers
Taking your trash out regularly and keeping the lid of the bins closed
Fixing leaks as soon as you notice them
Keeping your yard trimmed and not letting debris or wood pile up next to your house
Fixing any gaps or cracks around the house promptly
Cleaning up spills and crumbs quickly, especially in the kitchen
Keeping up with flea prevention year-round if you have pets
Pest season doesn’t really end in College Station and Bryan due to the warm climate. This keeps pests active most of the year. But each season brings its own problems.
This is when ants, termites and mosquitoes start maturing and you start noticing them.
Mosquitoes, bees, fleas and wasps are at their peak at this time of the year. Spending time outside or near the Lake Bryan area during summer means inviting mosquitoes to attack you.
Rodents and stink bugs start making their way inside to find warmth. A lot of homeowners in Hearne and the surrounding areas start noticing indoor rodent problems right round this time of the year.
Winters slow down the pest activity but it doesn’t stop them. Rodents that manage to get inside homes in the fall are still active and roaches are there all year long.
There’s nothing wrong with trying to deal with things on your own but there are times when acquiring professional help saves you from stress, time and future issues. DIYs do not work all the time. They only work when the problem is small. Once the problem has scaled, you must call a professional for help. Here are a few scenarios when you should do that.