Hey there, I’m Rick. I own STL Pest Control right here in St. Louis. I’ve been crawling through basements, squeezing into attics, and pulling squirrels out of vents for over 30 years. Pest problems are nothing new to me.
Most folks don’t call until it’s full-on chaos. Mice running laps in the kitchen. Roaches showing up like they own the place. But pests always leave signs. You just need to know what to look for. Catch it early, and it’s a whole lot easier to fix.
Here are seven signs that something unwelcome may be moving into your home.
1. You’re Finding Droppings
Let’s start with the obvious. Little black pellets under the sink? Behind the stove? That’s mouse poop. If it looks more like ground pepper or coffee grounds, it might be roaches. Either way, it’s not “just dust.” If you’re seeing droppings, something is living nearby.
2. There’s a Funky Smell You Can’t Explain
Ever walk into your basement and get hit with a smell that doesn’t seem right? Kind of musty, maybe a little sour? Mice and other pests leave behind their own brand of stink. It builds up over time. If something smells weird and you can’t find a good reason for it, trust your nose. It’s probably on to something.
3. You’re Seeing Gnaw Marks
Rodents chew on everything. I’ve seen wires, furniture, boxes, and even plastic pipes with bite marks. If your cereal boxes have holes or your baseboards look like someone took sandpaper to them, chances are good you’ve got company.
4. You Hear Noises in the Walls at Night
You’re lying in bed and you hear scratching. Maybe some scurrying in the ceiling. It’s not the wind, and it’s probably not your imagination either. Mice, rats, and even raccoons like to move around after dark. If your house starts sounding like a nature documentary at night, give someone a call.
5. You’re Seeing Grease Marks on Walls
This one surprises people. Rodents use the same paths over and over. As they move along walls and baseboards, they leave behind little grease trails from their fur. If you see faint smudges along the walls, especially in corners or behind furniture, that’s a telltale sign.
6. There Are Clusters of Dead Bugs
One dead bug is no big deal. Ten in the same spot? That’s a pattern. Check your window sills, garage corners, or the basement floor. Bugs often die near the same entry points they came in from. If you’re finding bug graveyards, the live ones are probably still around too.
7. You Find Weird Piles of Shredded Stuff
Rodents love to build nests. They’ll shred insulation, paper, fabric, and even plastic bags to make a cozy home. If you see a little pile of chewed-up material in the attic or behind boxes in the garage, someone’s been moving in.
What You Can Do About It
Nobody likes dealing with pests. But ignoring the early signs won’t make them go away. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve never heard anyone say, “Sure glad I waited to deal with those mice.”
At STL Pest Control, I keep it simple. No scare tactics. No pushy sales pitch. Just honest work and real results. If you’re noticing any of these signs, give me a call. I’ll come take a look and let you know exactly what’s going on.
You deserve a home that feels safe, clean, and quiet. Let’s keep it that way.