man spraying pest control product

How to Decide If Pest Control is Right for You

As a homeowner, you already know that not every pest problem warrants professional help. After all, there are home remedies from the grocery or hardware stores that allow you to save money on service fees.  You can also try alternative DIY methods recommended by the NPIC (National Pesticide Information Control). All-natural options include things like lemon, cinnamon, or peppermint.

However, some complex problems require you to make a bigger decision. When you have done home treatments that do not work, calling the pros is the only answer. On top of that, you must keep in mind that some infestations escalate quickly. At times, nipping them in the bud with the aid of a pest control company will save you money in the long run.

Most of all, calling for professional help will protect you and your family from aggravation and frustration. Remember, pests can harm your health, so you don’t want a serious medical emergency like leptospirosis (courtesy of rats) or Lyme disease (from ticks). Here are some signs that may help you decide that it is the right time to call for professional help.

Experiencing Actual Pest Sightings

The number one clear sign that creepy crawlies have invaded your home is seeing the pests with your own eyes. This includes anything from insect eggs to rodents. Whether you see them dead or alive, it is a clear indicator that you have a big problem in your midst.

Noteworthy, the more sightings you have, the more complex the problems are. Above all, seeing them during the day is a huge red flag. Pests generally hide and come out at night. When you spot them in the morning, it is time to call your pest control service.

Seeing Evidence of Existence

Another top indicator of pest infestation is evidence left behind by the creatures. Though insects and rodents are experts in camouflage, they cannot hide and cover their existence all the time. Usually, they will leave behind trails of evidence. For instance, you may see the following:

  • Poop droppings

  • Urine marks

  • Exoskeleton or shed body parts

  • Grease marks

  • Shed fur

  • Scratch mark

  • Foot markings

Remember, pests urinating and defecating on your property are dangerous. Many studies show that pest excrement carries dangerous bacteria, pathogens, and germs that can make you ill. If you see a lot of the elements mentioned above, seeking professional services will help.

Spotting Gnaw Markings on Food Containers

Pests need shelter, food, and water to survive. They need all three which are in your home. It becomes even more crucial during winter when their necessities become scarce. Hence, they feel more vigilant in infiltrating your house during this period.

If you see gnaw marking on food containers and packaging, this is evidence that you are co-existing with pests who want to find a meal. The top offender for this is rodents, who have the basic urge to gnaw to grind down their fast-developing incisors.

Finding Visible Signs of Structural Damage

Sharing your property with pests is not appealing as it is unhealthy and unhygienic. Most of all, these creatures can cause serious structural damage. If left untreated, this can seriously affect your financial health. For example, termites can burrow into wood structures. They can eat your beams, affecting your home’s foundation and stability.

Similarly, rodents can create deep holes throughout your home, affecting your structural support. They can also nibble or gnaw through your electrical wires, causing a short circuit and fire. If you see these signs, call your pest control company right away, along with your general contractor.

Hearing Weird Sounds

Certain insects make buzzing and whirring sounds when they swarm. The same goes for rodents, who are quite noisy at night as they are nocturnal creatures. You may hear them clawing your walls or scratching your ceiling. They could also make a racket in your food pantry as they forage for food. The sound of the tiny pitter-patter of scurrying feet is a huge red flag. If you are confident that the sounds are not a figment of your imagination, you need professional help to eradicate the problem.

Noticing Foul Odor

When you have a pest problem, you will most likely smell a foul odor emanating from your home. Most professionals can readily identify an issue based on the stench. Look at the following examples:

  • A heavy oil smell is associated with roaches

  • Ammonia-like scent can be attributed to mice

  • Infectiously sweet aroma by your bed is due to bed bugs

Dealing with the weird odor can be hard to stomach. Worst of all, the smell will also attract even more pests to come inside your home. If you do not want the problem to worsen, professional help is in order.

Spotting Their Habitat

Pests seek refuge inside your house for survival. However, they do more than board with you. They will take pains to create their own living space in your house. Mice and rats are notorious for using paper and other debris to create their comfy nests. Inside, it is common for them to procreate and make a litter of babies.

In the same token, insects can make hives or create long tunnels that lead to their home base. If you have these annoying pest habitats within your house, it can lead to a huge problem because it means they will never leave. Do not wait for them to grow and multiply even more. Seeking professional advice is the top priority.

Calling for Expert Help

Have you ever observed these red flags in your home? If you answered yes to any of the above categories, it is time to give our team at Natures Gate Pest Control Company a call. Our highly trained team will perform a complete inspection.

From there, we can curate a pest control treatment plan to eradicate the infestation. Our fully vetted team has been serving St. George, Utah, and nearby communities for decades. You can rest assured as we do our utmost best to protect your property and keep your family secure with our environmentally sound solutions.