Top 5 Signs You Have a Pest Problem at Home

No one likes to think about pests lurking in their home, but the reality is that even the cleanest homes can experience unwanted visitors. The good news? There are telltale signs that pests may be present before the problem spirals out of control. If you’re wondering whether your home is at risk, here are the top five signs you should look out for.

1. Unusual Droppings or Marks

One of the clearest indicators of a pest problem is the presence of droppings or marks. Different pests leave behind various types of waste, so identifying what you’re seeing can help narrow down the issue:

• Rodents often leave small, dark, pellet-like droppings near food sources, behind furniture, or in corners.

• Insects like cockroaches can leave brown smear marks or tiny black specks (which are their droppings) near cracks, crevices, or where they feed.

• Termites leave behind small piles of wood-colored pellets (frass), which look like sawdust.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. Droppings can carry diseases, and pests like termites can cause significant structural damage if left unchecked.

2. Unexplained Sounds

Are you hearing strange noises in the walls or ceiling? You might not be imagining things. Pests are often more active at night, and the sounds they make can give them away:

• Rodents tend to scurry, scratch, or gnaw on materials within your walls or ceilings.

• Termites produce faint clicking sounds as they chew through wood.

• Bats or birds in attics can create fluttering or squeaking noises.

If you hear these sounds, especially at night, it could be a sign that pests have taken up residence in your home.

3. Visible Damage to Your Home

Many pests leave physical evidence behind that they’ve been chewing or burrowing through your home. Look for the following:

• Gnaw marks on wood, wires, or furniture—rodents like mice and rats have sharp teeth that can chew through many materials.

• Holes in walls, floors, or ceilings—this can be a sign of pests like rats or termites tunneling through your home.

• Damaged plants or garden—if you notice plants being chewed on, it could be due to outdoor pests like rabbits, deer, or insects like aphids.

Beyond the annoyance, pests like rodents chewing on wires can be a serious fire hazard. Always take visible damage seriously and contact a professional for an inspection.

4. Foul Odors

A strong, unpleasant smell in your home could point to a pest issue, especially if you can't find the source. Some odors to look out for include:

• A musky or oily odor that could indicate a rodent infestation.

• A sour smell from cockroaches, which emit a musty odor when there’s a large infestation.

• Dead animal smell—if a pest has died inside your walls or attic, it will create a foul, lingering odor that’s hard to ignore.

If you detect strange odors that don’t seem to come from anything visible, it’s time to investigate further and call a professional.

5. Nests or Hives

Pests often make themselves at home by building nests or hives in hidden areas of your house. Here’s where you should check:

• Rodents may build nests out of paper, fabric, or insulation in attics, basements, or behind appliances.

• Insects like bees, wasps, or ants create nests in wall voids, ceilings, or outdoor spaces like under eaves.

• Termites build mud tubes along your foundation or walls as they travel between their nest and food sources.

Discovering a nest or hive is a strong sign that the pest problem has been around for a while, so it’s crucial to contact a pest control professional right away.

What to Do if You Spot These Signs

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your home, it’s important to take action before the problem worsens. Ignoring the early signs of a pest infestation can lead to increased damage, health risks, and more costly repairs down the line.

At First Class Pest Solutions, we offer expert pest control services tailored to homeowners in Katy, Texas. Whether you’re dealing with rodents, termites, or insects, our team is trained to eliminate the problem at the source and prevent it from returning.

Don’t wait—contact us today for a thorough inspection and keep your home pest-free all year round!