Often times, there’s no doubt you have a pest infestation. You may spot termites crawling over some wooden beams in your attic, or you may see a mouse scurrying across your kitchen floor. However, other times, the signs aren’t so obvious. Perhaps you are hearing strange noises in the middle of the night or maybe there’s a weird smell in your pantry that you haven’t detected before.

If you suspect you have a pest problem in your Nashville home, it’s crucial that you find out what it is, and get it addressed quickly. Thankfully, an experienced Nashville exterminator can do the hard work for you. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for:

Droppings

Small droppings are an obvious sign you have some kind of pest problem, such as rodents. But sometimes you may spot what you think are clumps of dirt but that are actually droppings. Older droppings can break apart over time, morphing into smaller granules that look like soil.

Unusual Smells or Noises

Pests often give off smells that the average homeowner can’t identify. However, your Nashville exterminator is trained in these smells. Mice leave a musty smell that resembles urine, while rats can smell like ammonia. Cockroaches have an oily scent, and bed bugs smell sweet or musty.

Strange noises can also give away the presence of pests. You will often hear these subtle signs at night when everyone is in bed. Listen for:

• Scratching
• Squeaking
• Gnawing
• Scurrying

These sounds could be mice or rats. Large bugs may sound like a faint buzz or even white noise.

Grease and Dirt Buildup

Mice, rats, and some insects follow familiar routes when they travel through enclosed areas, leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue. Rats scurry along walls, leaving behind dark grease marks. Cockroaches leave behind brown marks on walls, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.

Damaged Fabrics and Furniture

If your fabrics start to show unexplained holes or tears, pests could be to blame. Small pests are drawn to soft surfaces, causing damage in rugs, clothing, and couches. Look for damaged wood on your floors, walls, and furniture in the form of marks or loose shavings. These could be the work of termites or carpenter ants.

Gnaw Marks

Rodents will chew on pretty much anything, so look for chewed-up baseboards, upholstery, electrical wires, window sills, old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and drywall. Large pests like raccoons and squirrels will chew through wood and other materials.

Nests

Rodents will also make nests out of whatever they can find. Inspect your home’s small, hidden nooks and crannies with a flashlight to find these common nesting areas:

• Inside drawers and cabinets
• Behind kitchen or laundry appliances
• In barns and sheds
• Behind sofas and other large furniture pieces
• Dark, small, and hidden areas

Contact PureGuard Pest Solutions

If you have spotted any of the above not-so-obvious signs of pest infestation, don’t hesitate to call our Nashville exterminators to schedule an inspection. For your free quote and consultation, contact us or call 615-502-2855 today.