6 Warning Signs of an Insect Infestation

Did you know that the average home within the United States is worth nearly $300,000? These numbers are projected to rise as time goes on due to factors like limited supply and inflation. Regardless of how nice your house may be, however, you’ll need to keep it free of pests if you want to maximize your quality of life.

An insect infestation can be both an inconvenient and dangerous occurrence. This is particularly true if you have an ant infestation or cockroach infestation. Let’s explore a few of the most notable warning signs you need to keep an eye out for.

1. The Presence of More Bugs Than Usual

This is one of the most common signs of insect infestation. If you notice an uptick in the number of insects in or around your home, it’s time to take action.

This includes not only an increase in the number of bugs but also an increase in the varieties of insects you’re seeing. For example, if you normally see an ant or two in your kitchen but suddenly start seeing cockroaches as well, it’s a sign that something is wrong.

Many people make the mistake of assuming the problem will correct itself. If you have an infestation somewhere in your home, it will only continue to get worse until things get out of control. Eventually, you might start finding insects in places like your shower, pantry, dishwasher, etc.

2. You Wake up With Bites or Stings

Another clear sign of an insect infestation is waking up with bites or stings. If you have never had a problem with insects before and suddenly start finding bites or stings on your body, it’s a sign that there are more bugs in your home than usual. Insects like mosquitoes, bed bugs, and fleas can all bite or sting humans, so if you start finding bites or stings, it’s time to check for an infestation.

Left unchecked, a situation like this could easily result in health issues. This is especially true for those who are allergic to bites or stings from insects like these. In general, children are the most susceptible to injury.

This is due to the fact that they are more likely to be close to the floor or explore areas of your home that have infestations.

3. You Notice Insect Eggs or Larvae

If you start finding insect eggs or larvae around your home, it’s a sign that there is an infestation present. Insects typically lay their eggs in dark, damp places, so if you find them in your home, it’s a sign that there are too many bugs within the breeding ground already.

This is especially true if you find them in places where you don’t typically see insects, like in your bedding or in your closet. Finding an ant infestation in walls throughout your house is common, so these insects will likely hang out in these areas. A telltale sign of an infestation could involve ants crawling in and out of holes within a wall.

4. Sawdust Around Wooden Furniture and Baseboards

The presence of sawdust around your wooden furniture or baseboards is one of the most frequently observed signs of an infestation. Insects like termites and carpenter ants eat wood. If you see sawdust, these insects are likely in your home.

Unfortunately, bugs like these are more than a simple inconvenience. They could cause a significant amount of property damage if you do not take action as quickly as possible. Under the right circumstances, the damage could cost you thousands of dollars to fix.

It could also make your home much less appealing to potential buyers if you are looking to sell. At the very least, it can also make your guests feel uncomfortable if they notice the presence of these bugs.

5. Holes in Clothing or Fabric

If you start finding holes in your clothing or fabric, it’s a sign of an infestation.

Insects like moths and carpet beetles eat fabric, and they can easily destroy garments at a rapid pace. An infestation like this is most likely to affect clothes that you have not touched for an extended period of time. An issue that often arises is the destruction of clothing that people wish to donate or pass down to other family members.

6. Changes in Your Pet’s Behavior

If you have a pet, you may notice changes in their behavior if there are more insects than usual in your home. For example, if your dog or cat starts scratching more often, it could be a sign of fleas. If they start acting strangely around certain areas of the house, it could be a sign of ants or cockroaches.

Similar to how bug bites affect humans, your pet may develop health concerns if you do not resolve the issue. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, keep an eye out for the above symptoms of an insect infestation in your home.

You Should Never Neglect an Insect Infestation

If you notice any of these signs in or around your home, it’s time to take action. An insect infestation can quickly get out of control, so it’s important to get in touch with a professional immediately. Keep this information in mind when moving forward so that you can keep your family safe.

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