Too often, businesses discover that they have pests when it’s already a very big problem. The longer an infestation goes on, the more damage it can cause. That’s why it’s so important that business owners learn to recognize the early warning signs of imminent pest invasion.

 If you can spot signs like these early enough, you may be able to address problems and stop a pest infestation before it even happens. If you’re starting to worry about pests in your business, here’s what to look for.

Smells

If you’re worried about whether you have a pest infestation, figure out if you can smell rot. Pests that get into businesses often drag compostable food under a cabinet or into the wall, where it starts to stink. Pests that die in the walls or floors will add to that stench. Pest droppings can produce an unpleasant, rot-like odor, too.

 Some human-made office smells will attract pests. If you can smell food anywhere in your office, you can bet pests will smell it, too. Sweet and sugary scents in particular will attract insects, bees, and other annoying creatures.

Damaged Wiring or Piping

Rats and mice need something to chew on constantly. Gas lines and electrical wiring tend to be particular favorites. If you see frayed wires or find gas or water pipe leaking in your office kitchens or bathrooms, the culprit might be a pest!

Along with electrical wiring and piping, look for bite marks or damage on any low surfaces. Keep an especially close eye on baseboard and non-hardwood cabinets. Be careful handling possibly frayed wiring; rats often nip through the plastic casing down to the dangerous active current.

Droppings

Different pests leave different evidence of their presence behind, but they all leave something. Look for small, circular or cone shaped rat droppings. Office workers often mistake rat droppings for dirt or mud. Rats also frequently leave behind fur, garbage, nails, or body grease.

 Insects leave droppings, too, but they’re even harder to identify than pest droppings. Look for shed exoskeletons or dead bugs in out-of-the-way places like under the garbage bin. Flying insects may often lose their wings or leave behind small bites in food left out in the open.

Smudges

Pests leave behind the mess they brought with them everywhere they go. Because of their poor eyesight – rats, in particular, tend to stick to established routes. Over time, the grease and dirt that clings to rat’s bodies will rub off on these routes, creating a telltale line of dirt or grime on the low part of walls or inside cabinets.

 Moths and fleas can chew through fabrics like clothing, blinds, and drapes, so look for tiny holes in any fabric nearby. If your office has potted plants, they can be a good way to check for possible invasion early. Usually, small pests will gravitate towards plants as a familiar food source as soon as they move into your building.

Ironically, it can be hard to tell if you have a pest problem until it becomes all too easy to tell. If you’re not sure whether pest control is called for just yet, give Assured a call anyway. We can do a full inspection and diagnosis to let you know how vulnerable your building is to pest invasion, how pests would get in if they came, and how you could stop them.