Did you know that rats and mice can carry and transmit 11 serious diseases to humans, including the plague? The worst part is that you don't even have to come into direct contact with the carrier to get sick in some cases. If a flea bites an infected mouse and then bites you, you're at risk!

Most people know they need to go online and search for ‘pest control near me’ if they see a rodent, but there are many less-than-subtle signs that you need pest control services.

Pests are always a cause for concern in the Shreveport area. The earlier you notice any problems, the easier (and cheaper) they'll be to fix, so let's look at five of the most common signs that you may have a pest infestation.

1. Signs of Wood Damage

Anytime you see wood damage, call a pest control company immediately. Termites chew through wood looking for cellulose, and when they do, they'll leave grooves and tubes in your wood. If this behavior goes unchecked, the wood weakens and your home or business could develop structural issues.

Often, this damage happens behind walls and floors, so you'll want to check for a hollow sound. The issue is that sometimes it's hard to notice this sign until it's too late and you've got a serious issue on your hands.

Termites cause over 1.5 billion dollars in damage to homeowners every year. If you own a home or run a business, it's important to have an inspection performed at least once a year.

If you're looking to buy a home or commercial building, you should also have a termite inspection before you buy.

It's also important to remember that termites are a great source of protein for other animals, so if you have a termite infestation, it could attract other pests to your home as well.

2. Mystery Mattress Stains

If you notice red, rust-colored stains on your mattress, we've got some bad news for you: there's a good chance you have bed bugs.

Bed bugs feed at night and hide during the day in dark places, such as the space between a mattress and a bed frame. There's a good chance you'll never see them, but you'll see their effects. When they feed, they'll often leave red itchy marks on your skin, but sometimes people won't have any reaction to them.

The stains you see on your mattress could be from when bed bugs feed. They will sometimes void the remains of earlier blood meals while feeding, leaving it on your mattress. If you see these red stains, our residential pest control services can safely and quickly get rid of any bed bugs in your home.

3. You Hear Strange Noises

If you hear scratching in your walls, faint tapping, or scratching, there are two options. Either your home or business is haunted or you have a pest infestation. Based on our previous experiences, a pest problem is far more likely.

Animals tend to hide out when people are most active in their homes. They prefer to move around at night, and since many of them inside of walls, they make a lot of noise. These noises could come from ants, raccoons, mice, termites, bats, or any other pest, so until you have pest control services come out, you won't know what you're dealing with.

If you notice these problems at work, our commercial pest control services team can come out before you open or after you close so that they don't interfere with your business. Whether you need commercial or home pest control services, we can work around your schedule! Our team can often narrow down what pest you're dealing with through sound, but we'll also look for other evidence to confirm our suspicion and come up with the best treatment option for your needs.

4. Follow Your Nose

Unfortunately, pest infestations will often leave behind certain smells.

Cockroaches have an oily smell that's quite noticeable if you have a large population of them in your home. If you notice this smell, you probably have a sizeable infestation, but that doesn't mean that you can wait to call in the pros. A cockroach issue can go from bad to terrifying in a matter of weeks, so it's important to take care of it immediately.

Rats and mice both leave behind a urine smell, but mice have a muskier scent. These pests leave their waste everywhere, so if you have a colony in your home or business, you'll notice this somewhat early.

Bats leave behind guano, which both smells terribly and can be a danger to the health of humans and pets.

If you notice an off smell in your home, we can come and find out if you have a pest problem. Smells can also come from electrical wiring, HVAC problems, and issues with your sewage system, so it's best to eliminate the potential of pests before moving on to one of these more expensive possibilities.

5. Signs of Nesting

Anytime you find a hive or nest at your home or business, you need to call in the pros immediately. This means that pests aren't just coming by for the weekend, but that they plan to stay for as long as you'll allow it.

Often, these nests are hidden, but there are some signs that you can look for, such as shredded paper, sticks and twigs in weird places, and leaves. Rodents will, in particular, use whatever is convenient for them to make a nest.

Most pests can reproduce quickly, and nesting is a sign that they're planning on reproducing soon. Get rid of these pests as soon as possible!

Protect Your Home With Redd Pest Control Services

If you notice any of these signs, you shouldn't wait to contact Redd pest control services. Our team can come to your home or business, evaluate the situation quickly, and give you a fair and accurate quote. We'll work around your schedule so that you can get rid of your pest problem when it's convenient for you.

We take our responsibility to the community seriously. We've helped the people of Shreveport with their general pest control needs for over 27 years and always look for the most eco-conscious and safe way to handle any problems. If you notice any of these signs or want an inspection to stay ahead of the curve, give us a call today!