10 Signs of Pest Infestation to Look for When House Hunting in Chicago

• By bk-digilatics
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pest infestation​

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned real estate investor, house hunting in Chicago is not a small task. Pests can invade any home, regardless of whether the home is new or old. You can’t ignore the red flag in the form of pests in your new home. 

What are the Signs of Pest Infestation?

There are 10 signs of pest infestation listed by our professionals on the basis of their experience:

  1. Gnaw Marks and Wood Damage

Some pests, like mice and rodents, are generally known for chewing through wood and plastics. If you see any gnawing marks on the legs of your furniture, the wooden beams, or on the carpets, it is likely that there are pests present in your home. 

  1. Dropping and Urine Stains

There are pests like cockroaches and mice that leave droppings and urine stains behind. Rodent droppings are usually small, dark pellets and are often found near the kitchen or hidden spots of a home. If you can see such signs near kitchen cabinets, shelves, or on the floors, pests have invaded your home. You should think about eradicating them. 

  1. Nesting Materials

If you have seen any nesting inside or outside along the walls of your home, it is solid proof that there are pests in your home. In addition to it, if you find shredded paper, fabric, insulation, and dried plant material to make their nests, it means that rodents are just around you. 

  1. Grease Marks and Tracks

It is usual that rats and mice follow the same paths that make them leave greasy smudge marks along walls and floorboards. The cockroaches also leave greasy spots behind so these signs can help you to notice their presence and movement in the home.

  1. Odd Noises

You might not always hear the noises, but in the evening, if you pay attention, you may hear scratching, gnawing, or scurrying sounds in the walls or ceilings of the home. These noises indicate the presence of the pests there.

  1. Dead Bugs or Shed Skins

Insects like cockroaches, bed bugs, and beetles shed their skins as they grow. If you see a small exoskeleton, especially in clusters, it means there is an ongoing infestation in your home. If you are willing to see the evidence, the basement, inside the closet, and the window sills are the prime places for collecting dead insects

  1. Insect Wings and Swarms

Flying termites shed their wings once they have found a place to start a colony. If you notice tiny wings on a windowsill or around vents, you immediately need a termite inspection. Termites can cause severe damage to the structure of your home. These wood-decaying organisms (WDI) must be eliminated if you want to keep your home in good shape. So, when buying a new home in Chicago, you must be conscious of pests.

  1. Unpeasant or Unusual Odors

If there is a strong persistent odor in your home, it might be due to pest excretion, decaying food, or dead animals in the walls. Mice have a pungent smell just like ammonia and cockroaches leave a musty, oily smell behind.

  1. Visible Pests 

This one is the obvious but worth mentioning sign. If you see a live or dead pest in your home, don’t think that there is only one, there could be dozens or hundreds hiding nearby. That’s the reason that you should not ignore any sign and call experts as soon as possible to see things clearly. 

  1. Damage to Plants

Some pest problems start outside the home. If you notice chewed leaves, yellowed grass, and ant mounds, these are all signals of pest activity. They can wreak havoc by damaging the fence, invading the garage, or entering the home.

Why Look for a Pest Infestation?

It is necessary to look for pest infestations, especially when you are moving into a new home. Along with being expensive to deal with, the presence of insects in a home can create several problems, such as:

  1. Health Risks

Insects can carry germs and diseases. Serious, even fatal, diseases can be spread or triggered by pests such as vectors, other insects, rodents, or microbes. So, their presence in your home can pose a health risk to you and your family. For example, mosquitoes can transmit several diseases, including West Nile Virus (WNV), Zika, dengue, and chikungunya.

  1. Allergies

There are several pests that can trigger allergies. For example dust mites, cockroaches, and other insects like bees and wasps can cause allergic reactions with their stings. The secretion of pests such as rodents can also make the scenario worse for the people living in a home infested by pests.

  1. Stress

Pest infestation can also impact the mental health of people dealing with it. It is better to get a pest inspection to have peace of mind. It will ensure that you have taken the necessary steps to eradicate pests from your home.

  1. Fire Hazards

Some pests, like rodents, can gnaw on the electrical wires, causing short circuits, which might cause a fire in your home. 

What to Do if Pests are Found in a Home?

If you notice any of the above-listed signs of pest infestation, you should get an inspection and take the report to the negotiation table after discussing with your real estate agent. Either you will get a repair work from the seller to eradicate pests, or they can reduce the price of the property, depending on the situation.

How to Deal with Pest Infestation?

Pest infestations are more than just a discomfort. They can undermine the safety and value of your home. Being able to notice the early signs can help you deal with the pests without having a major loss. That’s why you should keep noticing, and if any signs of pest infestation are found in your home, contact us to schedule an inspection. We will discover the type of pest, the stage of infestation, and provide you with recommendations to deal with it.