Most people know that if they start seeing a lot of bugs in their home, it is a good idea to call an exterminator. What you might not realize, however, is that some types of bugs are really good at hiding. You might not see the bugs themselves until they become a major issue. So what are some signs, other than actually seeing bugs, that mean you need to call an exterminator? Take a look.
1. Insect Droppings
Insect droppings are sometimes mistaken for dirt or other spilled debris. However, you need to pay attention to where you find the debris, and whether it reappears after you clean it up. Debris that looks like coffee grounds is probably termite feces. Brown or black specs that seem to appear on counters, in the backs of cupboards, or along your baseboards are probably cockroach feces. Both of these insects can cause major issues if you do not eradicate them promptly, so call a pest control company if you start seeing their poop.
2. Foul Odors
Did you know that cockroaches emit a foul odor? Some say it smells musky like bad body odor. Others say it smells a bit like a messy diaper. If there have been unexplained foul odors in your home, especially around the kitchen, bathroom, or basement (all moist places where cockroaches seem to thrive), then you should suspect roaches are present.
3. Strange Noises
In the evening, do you hear rustling and crawling noises? One possibility is that you have rats or mice, but it's also possible that you have insects. Cockroaches make noise when they crawl across floors and walls. American cockroaches, the larger kind, are especially noisy. What you're hearing could also be termites or carpenter ants chewing on the wooden structures in your home.
4. Skins and Wings
Are you finding debris around your home that look like thin pieces of skin? This could be the shed wings of cockroaches or flying ants, or it could be the exoskeletons of cockroaches. You're likely to see these remnants in the spring when insects tend to mature quickly. They could appear at the base of windows and doors, or in your basement along the walls. In any event, they are a sign that insects are maturing in your home. You should get rid of them before they have more babies.
Don't wait to see bugs before calling an exterminator. Sometimes they leave signs of their presence while staying well hidden. For more information, contact services such as Kingsway Extermination.
