Pest infestations are natural, especially since Calgary presents ample opportunities for pests to find their way into our homes and businesses. Many pest infestations start subtly, often going unnoticed until the problem is significant. Catching these invaders early is crucial for effective and less disruptive treatment.
At Ecopest, we believe in empowering Calgary homeowners with the knowledge to protect their properties. Here are 10 early warning signs of a pest infestation you should never ignore, along with advice on what to do if you spot them.
How to Detect a Pest Infestation Early
Pests often operate discreetly in the shadows. However, they always leave behind subtle clues if you know what to look for and how to spot them.
1. Look For Droppings
Small, dark, pellet-like droppings are one of the most common indicators of a pest presence. Finding pest droppings is a significant early warning sign of an infestation. Mouse droppings are typically tiny, black, and resemble grains of rice. Cockroach droppings can vary, appearing like fine coffee grounds or black pepper, or as small, cylindrical pellets. If you discover any of these, do not touch them with your bare hands; always clean them up carefully using gloves and disinfectant. Identifying the specific type of droppings can help determine the pest, but regardless of the culprit, any discovery of droppings warrants immediate action to address a potential infestation.
2. Gnaw Marks or Chewed Items
You should inspect for scraps of paper, fabric, wood, or even electrical wires with small chew marks, along with holes chewed into food packaging in pantries. This is a strong indication of rodent activity, prompting a thorough inspection of food containers, baseboards, wall corners, and hidden areas, such as behind appliances. Remember to remove any damaged items and store food in airtight containers to prevent further attraction and contamination.
3. Unusual Odours
An unexplained, persistent new odour can be a significant indicator of a pest problem, as many pests leave behind distinct smells. For instance, mice often create a stale, musky, ammonia-like smell, particularly noticeable in enclosed areas. Cockroaches might produce a strong, oily, or musty odour, while severe bed bug infestations can be identified by a sweet, sickly, or even “raspberry” scent. If you detect any such unusual smells, it’s crucial to investigate immediately, as it often points to a hidden nest or a significant pest population within your property.
4. Nests or Hiding Places
Pests frequently establish nests or congregate in hidden, undisturbed areas of your property. For rodents, this might involve nests constructed from shredded paper, fabric, or insulation, commonly found in attics, basements, wall voids, or behind appliances. Wasps and hornets build distinctive papery nests in locations like eaves, attics, sheds, or tree branches. As for ants, look for small mounds of dirt or sawdust near foundations, or visible trails leading into cracks in walls or floors, indicating a nest. Upon discovering any such nest, it’s crucial to carefully inspect the dark, quiet areas where they are likely to be, but always avoid disturbing the nest, especially if it belongs to stinging insects, as this can provoke aggressive behaviour.
5. Sounds in Walls, Ceilings, or Attics
Unusual sounds in your walls, ceilings, or attics, such as scratching, scurrying, gnawing, or chirping, especially during the night, are almost always a strong indicator of rodents like mice or rats, or sometimes even squirrels. If you hear these noises, try to pinpoint their exact location to help identify potential entry points into your home.
6. Sightings of Pests
Even a single sighting of a live pest, no matter how small or infrequent, should never be ignored. A lone cockroach, bed bug, or rodent often means there are many more out of sight. Try to identify the pest if you can, as this immediate sighting is a clear warning sign.
7. Grease Marks or Smudge Marks
Keep an eye out for dark, greasy smears or smudge marks along baseboards, walls, or pipes. Rodents frequently leave these behind as they travel along established paths, their bodies depositing dirt and oils. Following these marks can help you identify potential entry points or the routes pests are using within your home.
8. Unusual Plant Damage
In your garden, unusual plant damage such as holes in leaves, chewed stems, stunted growth, or wilting can signal the presence of pests. Make sure to inspect the undersides of leaves and stems thoroughly for common garden pests such as aphids, caterpillars, or slugs. Catching these issues early can prevent extensive damage to your Calgary garden.
9. Pet Behaviour Changes
Pay close attention to changes in your pet’s behaviour. Suppose your pets are staring intently at walls, scratching or licking themselves excessively, or seem agitated for no apparent reason. In that case, they might be sensing pest activity that you’re not yet aware of. Excessive scratching could point to fleas, while unusual attention to walls or floors might indicate rodents or other insects. Always remember to check your pet for fleas and ticks regularly, especially after they’ve spent time outdoors in Calgary’s parks.
10. Shed Skins or Wings
The presence of shed skins or discarded wings is a clear indicator of an active and growing pest infestation. Cockroaches frequently leave behind their shed exoskeletons as they mature, while termites often discard their wings near windowsills or light sources after a swarming event. Similarly, tiny, translucent shed skins from bed bugs can be found around beds or upholstered furniture. Any of these findings signal that pests are actively developing and reproducing on your property.
What To Do When You’ve Spotted Signs Of A Potential Infestation?
If you’ve noticed any of these early warning signs, don’t panic, but do act quickly.
- Don’t Ignore It: A small problem can rapidly become a large, costly one.
- Identify if Possible: If you can safely get a photo or identify the pest, it will help with treatment.
- Clean and Reduce Attractants: Immediately clean the affected area, seal up food sources, and fix any leaks. This won’t eliminate the problem but can help slow its growth.
- Contact Ecopest: The most effective step is to call a professional pest control service. At Ecopest, our experienced technicians understand the specific pest challenges faced by Calgary homes and businesses. We can accurately identify the pest, assess the extent of the infestation, and implement safe, targeted, and environmentally responsible treatment plans.
Early detection is your best defense against pest infestations. By being vigilant and knowing what to look for, you can protect your Calgary property and ensure peace of mind. If you suspect a pest problem, don’t wait – contact Ecopest today for a thorough inspection and effective solution.