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The type and amount of damage pests can cause to your home depends on the type of pest. Some pests, like rodents, often chew through wiring and can cause extensive damage to electrical systems, HVAC systems, walls, and insulation. Additionally, the pest’s waste presents a potential health hazard if it contaminates food or water. Other pests, such as termites, chew through floors, walls, and furniture, causing thousands of dollars in damage and making for costly repairs.

Common signs of a flea infestation include pets scratching or grooming excessively, visible fleas on pets, and red spots or bites on the skin of both pets and people. You may also notice dark spots on your pet’s fur, known as “flea dirt,” which is flea feces. Itching and irritation for both you and your pets are also strong indicators of an infestation.

To determine if you have a rat or mouse infestation, look for several key differences. The most obvious is the size of the rodent: rats are significantly larger with thicker bodies, while mice are much smaller and more slender. You can also identify them by their droppings; rat droppings are larger and rounder, about the size of a raisin, while mouse droppings are smaller, like a grain of rice, and often have pointed ends. Other signs include the sounds they make, as rats produce louder scratching and gnawing noises due to their size. Behaviorally, rats tend to be more cautious, whereas mice are more curious and might be seen more often. Additionally, rat nests are typically larger than those of mice. If you are unable to see the pest or find clear evidence, a professional inspection can provide a definitive identification.

Gel bait and gel bait traps use poison to kill cockroaches, and aren’t safe to use around pets. Many gel bait traps are called “child-resistant,” but this only means that the traps are hard to rip open for children. Large pets and children are still able to swallow them. If you use gel bait, use it in areas where pets and children can’t access them, such as under a washing machine. Another option is to use glue traps, which don’t contain pesticides and are safe to use around pets.