As a homeowner, you should be proactively working with an exterminator to prevent pest problems. However, you may not have realized how important this is, or you've been putting it off. This can put your home in a vulnerable position. You could end up facing serious pest problems and needing an exterminator's help. Some pest problems will be easy to get under control. However, others can be extraordinarily challenging and require you to work closely with the exterminator. This article will help you recognize when to call an exterminator for immediate help.
You Notice Structural Concerns
Some pests pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home. One type of pest capable of destroying a home that people are familiar with is termites. However, they aren't the only possibilities. A few examples of other pests that can cause damage to a structure are carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles.
Each type of pest may have its own reason for damaging the wood. For example, termites will eat the wood while carpenter ants excavate the wood to expand their nests. However, all these pests can cause devastating destruction. They can also be difficult to eradicate, so you should call the exterminator immediately. Some signs of structural damage caused by pests can include:
- Pinholes in the wood or drywall
- Wood tunnels that look like tiny dirt straws along the baseboards
- Faint gnawing sounds are coming from inside the walls
- Small piles of sawdust next to the walls
- Wood walls that sound hollow when tapped
You Spot Interior Damage
Many types of pests cause damage to the interior. These include various insects, as well as rodents. Rodents can leave droppings along their path. You may find droppings along the baseboards, in the cupboards, behind furniture, and in many other spaces that the rodents frequent. They'll also gnaw at food containers, furniture, building materials, and the wiring. Gnawed wiring can cause electrical issues and pose safety and fire risks.
You might hear rodents gnawing on things when the house is quiet. If there is a litter of rodents, you could also hear faint squeaks. Rodents can bite, they can spread illnesses, and they can cause extensive damage to your home and belongings. For these reasons, you'll want to call the exterminator as soon as you spot signs of rodents.
You See an Influx of Insect Activity
It's normal to find the occasional pest wandering around your home. They can enter the home through tiny cracks. Pests can also be brought in by pets, or be carried into the house on items you bring inside. However, you don't want to see more pests than what's come to be expected.
You also don't want to find more than one or two of any specific type of pest. The more pests you see of the same type, the higher the chances are that your home already has an infestation. As soon as you feel there's more pest activity in your home, you'll want to have the exterminator come out.
Reach out to a local exterminator for more info.
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