Pest infestations can cause major headaches for homeowners. The damage pests can do to your home and the expenses you’ll accrue as you go through the extermination process are considerable—but one of the worst parts of the whole saga is the mental distress that comes from knowing that creepy crawlers are living in your midst!
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of pets gaining access to your home. In today’s post, Gutter Helmet®, manufacturer of the top-rated gutter guards on the market, shares five signs that pests have infested your home and offers handy tips on how to prevent future infestations.
1. Droppings
Droppings in your house could mean you have a rodent or cockroach problem. Check for droppings in your cabinets, the areas under your appliances, and other dark, out-of-the-way places in your home. If you do find droppings, call a professional exterminator to come assess the situation. Never clean up rodent droppings on your own as they can carry diseases—it’s better to leave this dirty work to the pros.
2. Small Openings in Your Home
A mouse can fit through an entryway as small as a dime, and insects like cockroaches and ants don’t need nearly that much space. Check your house for tiny openings to the outdoors that pests could fit through. Patch up these areas carefully to prevent critters from gaining entry.
3. Chewed Items
Rodents are constantly chewing on things to keep their teeth sharp and short. Things to look out for include nibbled food packages and damaged wires—which can be a fire hazard. If you notice these signs, throw the compromised food away and store other food items in airtight plastic or glass containers to minimize the risk of another infestation. Damage to any electrical wiring should be addressed promptly by a professional.
4. Nests in Gutters
Leaves, twigs, and other debris that collect in your gutters make an attractive nesting ground for insects and small rodents. These pests may not seem like a problem at first because they haven’t actually infiltrated your living space, but left unattended, they can cause serious damage to your gutters. To prevent infestations in your gutters, your best bet is to install Gutter Helmet’s high-quality gutter protection system. As many reviews of our leaf protection for gutters will attest, this product keeps your gutters clean and clear of debris without you ever having to lift a finger.
5. Tiny Dried Blood Spots
Dried blood spots, especially in your sheets or other linens, are the hallmark sign of bedbugs, which love to burrow into mattresses and bedding. If you notice tiny dried blood spots in your sheets, call a professional bedbug exterminator immediately. Bedbug removal is a complicated process that requires the services of a professional.
Gutter Helmet can ease your pest-related worries. To learn more about our gutter defense system or to request a quote, call us today at (800) 824-3772. We look forward to helping you!
