Annoying neighbors aren’t the only unwelcome guests in your home. It can also be in the form of pests and vermin, which can come in all shapes and sizes. If you think you have some pesky intruders, make sure to drive them out immediately.
If you leave the pests alone, they’ll wreak havoc in your home. They can create a lot of damage from your house foundations to your electrical appliances. Some can contaminate your food sources and cause illnesses for the people in your household.
Take a look at the various pests that can damage your home, and keep an eye out for the signs that they have infiltrated your house.
Termites
Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home, especially to its structure. They can weaken your support posts and beams and damage your home’s aesthetic and value. Contrary to popular belief, termites not only gnaw through the wood but also plaster and insulation.
There are various things to check if you think you have termites. As they burrow, they leave small, nail-sized holes on the wood. They also leave droppings scattered around, which can sometimes look like sawdust if not observed.
Raccoons
These little creatures will make their home in your chimney or porch if they can get a steady food supply from your home. They sometimes gnaw through insulation and wires and can cause issues with the electricity and water supply.
A raccoon has become a resident of your home if you notice that droppings and tracks are around the house. Also, your trash cans may be tipped over, and your open sources of food, such as pet bowls and feeders, look messed up.
Once you’ve called the exterminator near your home in Attleboro, MA, to drive away the little rascals, make sure that they can’t find their way back in. Consider installing a low voltage electric fence to deter them, and cover any holes in your fence.
Bees
Bees are generally harmless if you leave them alone. However, it can be a problem if they’ve made their hive inside your home, using spaces in between your walls as places for honeycombs. Their massive hive can strain your beams, and your walls will become weaker.
Don’t attempt to remove bees from your home by yourself. To drive them out, make sure to hire an exterminator that can relocate them without hurting the bees. They are still beneficial to the ecosystem and an endangered species.
However, there is also the option of waiting them out if they haven’t made their home in an awkward spot. They aren’t aggressive towards people and can help your garden thrive. After the summer season, they’ll leave on their own and not return.
Mice
Mice are one of the worst pests to have in your home, as they will gnaw through anything to make their nest. Secluded spaces, such as between walls or storages, are the most likely to become damaged. They will take advantage of your food supplies and leave their excretions everywhere.
They are quick to multiply, so make sure to be alert for any of their signs. Food left on counters, even when covered, will be covered by tiny nibbles. Droppings can be littered everywhere, and you might notice the smell of stale urine. Your electrical appliances can also be affected.
Mousetraps can do the trick in capturing them, but if you have a full-blown infestation, then it’s best to call the exterminators. Make your home unappealing for future pests by storing your food securely and sealing any possible entry points.
Once you’ve determined that there are pests inside your home, don’t jump to action immediately. Sometimes, driving them out isn’t as easy as you think; it can make the problem worse. Call a professional exterminator for a better judgment of the situation.