Signs of Pest Infestations in Your Home You Shouldn’t Ignore

Watch for these signs to determine if pests have come to call. 

• Droppings: Check for the cockroaches’ dark “coffee ground” leavings. Note any black oblong droppings left by mice. Watch for the small dark poop of the centipede. Don’t just clean it up! These are signs that pests have moved in. Call a pest control expert to deal with them.
• Chew marks/wood bits: If you find chew marks on insulation, furniture, wires, or your baseboard, pests are present. Bits of wood shavings scattered through your home also indicate the presence of unwanted guests. 
• Deceased bugs: The remains of insects, whole or parts (wings, exoskeletons, egg casings, antenna, legs, etc.), indicate an infestation. Pay attention! 
• Signs of nesting: Shredded paper (cardboard, newspaper, tissue, etc.), bits of insulation, chewed-up cloth (towels, clothing, furniture stuffing, etc.), bits of hair, and wood shavings reveal that pests are nesting in your space. 
• Strange sounds: If you hear scurrying, squeaking, scratching, chirping, or the patter of tiny feet (especially at night), beware! You have mice. Rubbing, popping, crackling, and quiet croaking are evidence of cockroach presence. Fluttering and buzzing may indicate trapped flying pests (moths, wasps, etc.). 
• Tiny holes in your home (as small as 6.35mm) may indicate the presence of mice. They also allow other pests to penetrate. 
• Tracks (tail marks, greasy smudges, footprints, dirt marks, specks of dirt, urine trails, etc.) reveal the presence of pests. Pay attention!
• Unusual odours (musty, oily, ammonia-like, sweet, acidic, etc) that you cannot account for may indicate pests have moved into your space.
• Damaged plants: If your indoor or outdoor plants have chewed leaves, bite marks on the stems, shiny patches, drooping leaves, are yellow/faded, appear mottled, look weakened, or have visible insects on them, it’s time to take action.