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Pest infestations can develop quietly and quickly, causing significant damage before you even realize there’s a problem. Whether it’s rodents, insects, or other nuisance pests, recognizing the early signs of an infestation is key to protecting your home and health. Here's how to identify a pest problem—and what to do about it.
1. Unusual Sounds or Movements
One of the first signs homeowners notice is sound. If you hear scratching, scurrying, or tapping—especially at night—it could be rodents in your walls, ceiling, or under floors. Insects like termites can also make soft clicking noises when active in wood structures.
If you notice movement in your peripheral vision or catch glimpses of insects or rodents dashing across rooms, this is a clear warning sign that pests are living comfortably in your space.
2. Droppings or Urine Trails
Pest droppings are a clear indication of an infestation. Rodents leave small, dark pellet-like droppings, often found in cupboards, under sinks, or along baseboards. Insects like cockroaches may leave behind pepper-like specks or smear marks.
If you notice an unpleasant, musty odor in certain areas of your home, it may be the scent of rodent urine or insect pheromones used for communication and attraction.
3. Property Damage
Look for gnaw marks on furniture, wiring, food packaging, or walls. Rodents chew constantly to wear down their teeth and may cause electrical fires by damaging wiring. Insects like termites and carpenter ants will eat or tunnel through wood, potentially compromising your home’s structural integrity.
You may also see grease marks, scratch patterns, or shredded materials used to build nests in hidden areas.
4. Nesting Materials or Shelter
Rodents and other pests build nests in hidden, warm, and quiet areas such as behind appliances, inside walls, or in attics. These nests may be made from shredded paper, insulation, fabric, or dried plant material.
Insects may establish colonies or hives in less obvious places, such as inside walls, under decks, or behind siding. Mud tubes on walls (a sign of termites) or small piles of frass (insect droppings that resemble sawdust) are key indicators.
5. Insect Body Parts or Shed Skins
Finding shed skins, wings, or entire dead insects inside your home can signal a hidden infestation. Cockroaches, bed bugs, and many other pests molt as they grow, leaving behind traces of their presence.
Seeing even one or two insects in the open may point to a much larger population hidden away.
6. Health Symptoms or Allergic Reactions
Pests can cause more than property damage—they also pose serious health risks. If you or your family are experiencing unexplained allergy symptoms, skin irritation, or worsening asthma, pests may be to blame. Rodents and cockroaches are known allergens, and their waste can contaminate indoor air and surfaces.
Take Action Now
Don’t wait until a pest problem becomes a costly nightmare. The earlier you identify the signs, the easier—and less expensive—it is to solve. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your home, it’s time to take action.
Contact High Country Pest Control at (719) 294-0279 today for a professional inspection and effective pest control solutions. Our experts are ready to help you reclaim your space—safely and quickly.