You see a line of ants marching across your kitchen floor like a well-drilled platoon of combat soldiers. Or on waking in the morning, you find fleas have been feeding off your blood like tiny vampires.
It’s not just household insect pests we have to worry about. Rodents like mice and rats are also drawn to the creature comforts our homes provide. This can result in pest infestation – two words no householder wants to hear.
Why are pests so attracted to our homes? It’s simple, really.
These unwanted house guests like the same things we do – a cosy home that provides shelter, an even temperature, and a ready supply of food. They can’t wait to take up residence with us and share our space as if they own it – and they like to bring all their friends with them.
Signs of household pest infestation
Household pest infestation does not happen overnight. Because it’s a gradual process, you may not realise your home is being colonised by stealthy intruders like insects or rodents. And many of these creatures can reproduce fast once they’ve made themselves at home.
So you need to know how to spot the clues household pests leave around the house. This will enable you to take home pest control action to end the problem.
Ants
Ants invade our homes in the hunt for food.
They enjoy the same foods we do, and even tiny crumbs left lying about can attract an ant colony of thousands strong. While ants will eat almost anything, they have a sweet tooth and favour sugary morsels.
Although ants usually build their homes outside, they may nest in homes as well, given the right conditions – protection, moisture, and easy access to food.
Unlike many pests, ants don’t bother hiding from us, which makes detecting a potential infestation easier.
Your home may be the target of ant incursion if you see:
- Ants forming a trail as they walk purposefully towards your doorstep.
- Ants in your kitchen carrying away tiny pieces of leftover food.
- Ants in the bathroom – they like humid areas.
- Ants milling around a pet food dish.
Fleas
If you’re scratching at small red bite marks on your body in the morning, you’re likely sharing your bed with fleas.
These parasites often hitch a ride into homes on pets, but you can still get a flea infestation if you don’t have a dog or cat.
Because fleas are tiny and can easily hide from view, you may not be aware of their presence in your house until a large infestation has developed. However, you may see fleas hopping on your carpets or furniture.
Like us, fleas like a cosy environment. And your bed provides the ideal place for them to lay eggs in your mattress.
Signs of flea infestation include:
- Fleabites – red spots, usually on the lower legs or feet.
- Your pet is scratching more than usual.
Rodents
You keep spotting what you think is a solitary rodent popping up around the house. Chances are it’s not the same one. Far more likely you’re catching glimpses of different mice or rats venturing out to forage for food from a teeming horde living out of sight, maybe in your loft space or cavity walls.
And if you’re seeing mice or rats in the daytime, it probably means a significant infestation – they’re nocturnal by nature. You’re likely to see the traces rodents leave behind before you see the culprits.
Signs of rodent infestation include:
- Droppings – often found under a sink or inside or on top of cupboards and along skirting boards.
- Scratching noises at night (rats are generally nocturnal).
- Grease marks – caused when mice brush against walls or skirting boards.
- Ammonia-like smell – from rodent urine.
- Signs of chewing on food packaging.
- Holes chewed through walls or floors to create entry points.
- Bits of nesting material such as shredded fabric or paper.
- Teeth marks on electrical wiring – rats chew on this to keep their constantly developing teeth in good shape.
- Footprints – in dusty places like basements or attics.
How to end the nightmare of pest infestation
No matter how much household pests love your home, pest control professionals can get rid of them and help you avoid further infestation.
Pests, Birds and Bugs provides comprehensive, customised home pest control services across Hampshire and Dorset.
If household pests are making your life a misery, contact us now for a free quote for a fast solution. We also provide pest control services for businesses.
Our company is a member of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) with all technicians holding Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) qualifications.
