You may be under the impression that it is extremely obvious when your home has been overrun by pests. However, in many cases, the signs are often only noticeable once the problem has intensified, and the pests have almost completely taken over! Here are a few of the subtler signs to look out for, and how to take action.
Strange noises
You are certain to hear a few strange noises, especially if your home has a rodent infestation. These noisy little mammals will usually make a haven for themselves in your attic, so if you hear scratching and scurrying up there, especially at night when they are most active, it is definitely time to call on the professionals to investigate. Companies like Attic Projects San Diego will be able to get rid of any rodents in the attic quickly and effectively, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep!
Droppings and dirt
Another way to ascertain whether there are rodents living inside your attic is to head up yourself and take a look. You will rarely catch the rodents in the act, but there will often be other signs that they are present. Keep an eye out for small droppings and dribbles of urine across the floorboards, along with an unusual amount of dirt all around.
Damage to possessions
Rodents and other pests, such as silverfish and termites, can cause a lot of damage to your property and possessions. This can be especially true up in your attic, where you spend less time and are less likely to notice any damage until it is quite significant. Rodents love to gnaw on furniture and cardboard boxes, while termites will make a meal of the wooden aspects of your home, and silverfish are likely to target your clothing and curtains.
Evidence of nesting
Many pests, including rodents, will make little nests for themselves inside your home. There will occasionally be a certain amount of evidence that this is what they have been doing. Watch out for shreds of paper, newspaper, or cardboard, as well as fabric scraps, wayward leaves, and grass. The majority of rodents will nest inside the attic, but some may opt to set up their homes underneath the floorboards.
Scratches and gnaw marks
As mentioned, rodents love to gnaw. They will do it on practically anything and everything from wiring to boxes. They also tend to scurry across the floors, which can result in tiny little scratches on the surface. You have to really be looking for this sort of evidence, but if you look close enough and those rats or mice are indeed there, you will usually find this evidence in abundance.
The great news is that identifying the pest problem is the tricky part. Once it has been established that pests have made their way into your home, the experts will be able to sort the issue out in a flash. Most companies will also focus on making it more challenging for the pests to return in the future.
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