Learn About the Signs of Pest Infestation in Your Home

How to Identify Signs of Pests in Your Home

Pests are the ultimate uninvited guests. They’re sneaky, stubborn, and great at making themselves right at home. The earlier you spot them, the better your chances of stopping them from multiplying or causing damage. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “What are signs of possible pest infestation?” you’re in the right place.

Spotting Different Types of Pest Infestations

Pests come in many shapes and sizes, so it’s no surprise they leave different evidence behind. Here’s how to identify signs of pests before they get out of hand:

Ants invade in large numbers. If you see a few of them wandering around the kitchen, assume that more will follow. Watch for fine dirt piles near walls, which are signs of nesting. Once ants find a reliable food source, they keep coming back, and they bring their friends.
Spiders like quiet, undisturbed spaces. A stray arachnid or two isn’t a big deal, but an infestation could mean your home is harboring their favorite food: small insects. Look for webs with egg sacs attached—another hint that spiders have decided your home is a good place to raise a family.
Cockroaches are notoriously good at staying hidden, so even a single sighting during daylight hours is concerning. Their droppings resemble black pepper or coffee grounds, and they tend to congregate in cupboards, behind appliances, and under sinks. A musty, oily smell is another common sign of a cockroach infestation.
Earwigs are the stuff of nightmares, but they’re actually more annoying than dangerous. They thrive in moisture-rich environments and typically show up in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and piles of damp laundry. If you notice chewed leaves on houseplants or garden veggies, earwigs could be the culprits.
Bed bugs sneak into your home on luggage, clothing, or secondhand furniture and make a home in your mattress, behind baseboards, or inside upholstery. If you wake up with itchy red welts on your feet and legs, it’s worth taking a closer look. Check the seams of your mattress and the cracks in your bed frame for tiny rust-colored stains, shed skins, or the bugs themselves, which look like apple seeds.
Fleas can take over your home, biting every human and animal occupant without hesitation. Their bites are small, red, and itchy, often found around your ankles or on your pets’ bellies. Fleas leave behind droppings in pet bedding or carpets that some people call “flea dirt.” Even if your pet is on flea prevention medication, these pests can still hitch a ride on your shoes or clothing.
Termites eat wood from the inside out, so you may not know you have a problem until something collapses. Mud tubes on walls or foundations are a telltale sign of subterranean termites. Tap on wooden surfaces—if they sound hollow, they may already be damaged. Wings discarded near windows and doors are another sign, especially during swarm season in the spring and early summer.
Pantry pests, like weevils or grain beetles, are the last thing you want to find in your rice. These bugs get into dry goods through packaging that isn’t airtight. Once inside, they lay eggs and spread quickly. If you see webbing in food packages or tiny bugs crawling around your shelves, you’re likely dealing with a pantry pest infestation.

What to Do If You See Signs of Pests in Your Home

Spotting the early signs of pest problems is your best chance to stop the issue before it escalates. Follow these practical steps to kick unwanted pests to the curb:

Clean thoroughly to remove food sources and hiding spots.
Seal entry points around windows, doors, and plumbing with caulk or weatherstripping.
Install screens on windows and doors and fix any tears or gaps that could allow pests to enter.
Relocate food to airtight containers to deter pantry pests.
Wipe up spills, fix leaky pipes, and run dehumidifiers in damp areas to make your home less inviting.
Remove unnecessary items where pests can hide and multiply.
Trim trees and shrubs away from your home, and don’t stack firewood or yard debris near the foundation.
Make a habit of inspecting grocery bags, luggage, and secondhand items for signs of bugs before bringing them inside.
Monitor the area and set a few sticky traps to catch anything still lurking out of sight.

Why Choose Apex Pest Control?

We’ve been in the pest control business for over 40 years, proudly serving Sacramento with top-notch customer service and long-lasting solutions. When you call, we strive to visit your home within 24 hours. If you’re a new homeowner or a senior, you’ll find we offer special discounts just for you. The next time you’re dealing with ants in the kitchen or black widows in the garage, contact us today to schedule pest control services.