Although it can be frustrating to notice pest droppings in your house when you cannot see the pests, it’s essential not to ignore the situation. The droppings mainly leave no doubt that your house has been infested with pests, and it’s within your power to address this issue.
Usually, pests like cockroaches, termites, and rats are common invaders of houses in tropical nations such as Singapore, and at times, the first sign of their presence is the droppings.
Therefore, in this article, we explore things you should do to easily identify the pest droppings, eradicate the pests swiftly, and implement long-term pest control measures after eradicating the pests.
What Should You Do Once You Notice Pest Droppings in Your Home
1. Examine the Pest Droppings
The moment you spot pest droppings in your house, first of all, check them to confirm which pest they belong to. Mainly, each pest has different droppings, and these can vary in size, shape, and color. For instance, cockroach droppings are small, black specks resembling ground coffee or black pepper, while rat droppings are a bit larger, about the same size as a rice grain, and tapering at both ends.
Armed with this knowledge, you can know the exact pest you are dealing with. Importantly, if in doubt, always consult a professional.
2. Clean the Pest Droppings
After you have determined what the droppings are, remove them from the area as soon as possible. Usually, rat droppings can transmit diseases such as leptospirosis, whereas cockroach excreta can trigger asthma attacks in certain people. Importantly, since pest droppings contain disease-spreading bacteria that may be transferred to human beings, you should exercise caution when handling them. Use disposable gloves and wear a mask to avoid direct contact safely.
After removing the droppings, dispose of them outdoors in a plastic-lined garbage can tied tight. Then, sanitize the area with a solution of sufficient bleach and water or a disinfectant cleaner to kill all germs present.
3. Inspect Your Property for the Specific Pests
Most often, if you notice pest droppings but don’t see the pests themselves, they are just somewhere within the home. Usually, even before you have discovered them, they are probably hiding somewhere else.
So calmly take a tour of your home to find out where they are hiding. Mainly, during the inspection, take a close look around for more feces, holes, or nests. Also, check for gnawing, grease, or odors of infestation. Importantly, focus on the dark, hidden areas such as appliance backs, sinks, basements, attics, and storage containers. Additionally, check cracks on walls, doors, windows, and house foundations for any signs of pest infestation.
During the inspection, pay close attention to any strange sounds, especially at night, as sounds of running and scratching are primary signs of rodent infestation.
4. Call in a Professional Pest Control
If you’ve already removed the droppings but can’t find the pest, or if you notice more signs of infestation, call in a professional. Remember, DIY methods might not fully treat hidden or severe infestations. In such situations, professional pest control professionals can provide the advice and the intervention you need.
Mainly, you should engage of professional pest control services company and not DIY when:
- There is Evidence That the Infestation is Severe: When there are massive piles of feces, mounded nests, or even visible signs of structural damage, professional pest control intervention becomes necessary.
- The Pest Infestation Poses Serious Health Risks: Pests that trigger allergic reactions or asthma, or spread diseases, need to be eliminated with caution. Mainly, only professionals have the tools and expertise to eradicate pests at the source and vacuum your property for a pest-free, healthy environment.
- You Want a Long-term Solution for Pest Control: Professional pest control service offers comprehensive pest control treatments that are suitable for long-term control with minimal environmental disruption.
5. Pest Infestation Prevention
Prevention is always an essential action to avert reinfestation. Therefore, adopting pest prevention strategies will enable you to make your house less appealing to pests. You can prevent pests from infesting your home by:
- Sealing Pest Entrance Points: Keep pests away for good with caulking cracks and crevices, keeping food in tight containers, and maintaining your home clean and clutter-free.
- Thoroughly Cleaning Your Home: Keep your home free of dirt and garbage. Store food in covered dishes, remove trash daily, and never leave dirty dishes overnight. Notably, kitchen floor and counter are the common breeding ground, and you should pay extra attention there.
- Removing the Breeding Spots: Drain out stagnant water in the drains and clear blocked pipes to remove moisture. Also, cut bushes around your home and keep dry tree branches away from your residence.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly check your premises, especially at the most vulnerable areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and storerooms, for any signs of pests.
Conclusion
Whenever you find pest droppings without the actual pests, it’s a reminder that you need to take the right actions and not make assumptions. Mainly, you should analyze droppings and inspect your home for any additional signs of pests.
Importantly, if you find recurring instances of pest droppings even after applying DIY techniques, then you have to hire a pest control services firm. The pest control technicians will apply effective pest control techniques to make your house free of pests without compromising the health of the house occupants.
Lastly, at Eminent Pest Control, we offer effective pest control management for our clients. So, contact us today for professional pest control services.
