How To Identify Signs of Pests in Your Home

Guests in a home can be a nice change of pace from everyday life—but not when they’re uninvited. No one wants to discover an infestation of insects in their home that has been growing unnoticed for months, but happens to many people, especially when they don’t know ow to spot the signs that it was happening. For those who don’t know how to spot pets in their home, here are some of the different types of household intruders and what homeowners can use to spot them. 

Bed Bugs

Although the phrase “don’t let the bed bugs bite” has made these pests seem like a persistent problem, homeowners will be relieved to know that they’re actually quite uncommon. If they ever become a problem, bed bugs are easy to identify because they feed on blood and will seek out both humans and pets. Their bites can be identified by itchy red welts caused by saliva that is injected into the area of the bite.

Cockroaches

There is a large variety of different types of cockroaches that can be found in homes spanning from little German roaches to the giant tree roaches. Cockroaches can eat nearly anything from food to wallpaper, and they can bring a wide variety of health risks into homes. Large infestations can be easily identified by a foul smell, and they will leave behind shed skins and feces that looks like tiny black dots or cylinders.

Crickets

For some people, the sound of crickets chirping can be calming. But when they find their way into a home, that can change. The first sign homeowners will notice when crickets are in their home is of course going to be the distinct chirping. Crickets are also attracted to garbage and love dark, moist areas, so keeping an eye on bathrooms and trash bins for confirmation that crickets have in fact made it into the home.

Earwigs

A particularly unpleasant bug that can be found in homes is the earwig. They can easily be identified by the large pincers on their abdomens, which they can use to pinch. Earwigs are nocturnal, so they’ll more often be spotted at night, and they can be detected due to their tendency to feed on plants, which leaves visible damage. Earwigs can also emit a foul smelling yellowish liquid if killed or disturbed as a defense mechanism. 

Fleas

Most people, especially pet owners, are familiar with fleas. These parasites seek out creatures to live on, but they can also live inside homes and become an infestation if unnoticed. Pet owners should keep an eye on their pets, as fleas can cause animals to scratch excessively, and the fleas will also leave noticeable rashes on the skin. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs and diseases that can be transferred to animals and people, so if fleas are spotted, take measures to get rid of them immediately. 

Mice

Rodents typically try to make their homes away from people, which means if they can get inside a home, they will make nests in basements, attics, and even inside walls and chimneys. They come out at night and can be identified from the droppings they leave that look like small pellets. Mice also have a tendency to gnaw on just about anything, including furniture. Finding mice is typically more common during winter months when they will seek out shelter from the cold.

Knowing the signs of an infestation can help homeowners identify the problem before it gets out of hand. For people buying a home, it may be wise to get an additional inspection atop of the basic home inspection to test for pests, as the basic inspection does not cover them. If any of these signs are found in a Marina Del Rey home, be sure to contact a professional exterminator who can identify the best course of action to take care of the unwanted guests.