How to know when one pest is actually many
Finding a single pest might be just a fluke, but it might also be a sign of a serious infestation that needs professional attention. Once settled in a new home, roaches, ants, termites and other small pests get to work on expanding their colonies. Multiplying at a fast rate in a constrained space means that a few occupants will be accidentally squeezed out and left to wander your floors and walls in plain sight. Below, we’ve put together a handy pest-by-pest guide to help you learn how to tell the difference between an evicted resident and a random passerby.
Roaches
Roaches love hiding in dark and moist crevices, so you’ll need to do a little investigating to make sure that one roach isn’t a displaced member of a larger colony. Faucets, electrical appliances, hollow wall cavities, door frames, drains and cracks in furniture are all examples of spots that can make attractive nesting areas. Keep in mind that roaches are nocturnal. If you’re searching during the day, be on the lookout for tiny droppings that resemble coffee grinds.
Fleas
If you have pets, monitor them closely for signs of fleas, especially during the hot and humid summer months. While finding fleas in your pet’s fur isn’t cause to panic, it’s a good reason to schedule a visit to the veterinarian and do a home inspection. To find out if fleas are nesting inside or in your yard, look for off-white, tube-shaped larvae.
Fire Ants
Known for their aggressive behavior and painful bite, fire ants are a common problem in the Austin area. Unfortunately, they aren’t the type of pest to travel far from home alone. If you see a fire ant, chances are that there are many more where it came from. Because fire ants typically nest in the ground, mounds are a definite sign that you’ve got a problem. For more information about checking your property for fire ants, take a look at the mound identification guide from Texas A&M University.
Termites
Like fire ants, termites don’t separate from their colonies. If you see one or find discarded wings, many more live termites are surely hiding somewhere within your walls or in the ground. Because termites can be extremely destructive to your home’s structure, schedule a pest control appointment right away if you suspect that you have an infestation.
Are you seeing signs of an active pest infestation? Contact our experienced pest control team at ABC Home & Commercial Services today to schedule your in-house appointment.