One of your best tools in the fight against pests is early detection. But often, it’s only after a pest has really made itself at home that you might notice them. By this point, removal can become more difficult, not to mention expensive. If termites are the issue, the damage can be long-lasting. With the termite inspection in Des Moines experts at Pro-Staff, you can take precautions to prevent termites and other pests from snacking and making themselves at home.

Termites

There are steps you can take to prevent termites from snacking on your home. Early indications of termites include:

• Frass: This is the official term for termite waste, which looks like pellets.
• Discarded wings: Once termites have made their way into your home, they often shed their wings, as they have no need to fly anymore.
• Buckling or compromised wood: This tends to be a more obvious sign of termites, but it’s worth checking the wood structures around your house regularly.
• Termites: It sounds obvious, but one termite means lots of termites. If you see them around your home, odds are they are trying (or already have) to get in.

Other Pests

Termites aren’t the only pests trying to crawl into your home. From field mice to bed bugs, pests are looking for a warm shelter that offers food and water — and your home may unknowingly be the perfect source.  But if you know the places to look, you’ll be able to spot pests pretty easily, with the easiest indicator being excrement. Check in the nooks and crannies of your house, including the kitchen, attic, and garage.

Wiring

An often overlooked sign of pests is wiring. Frayed or cut wires, whether they’re part of speaker systems or plumbing, are generally made of plastic coating, which for many pests works just fine as food. Wires, pipes, and insulation that seem damaged for no particular reason probably do have a reason.

And finally, listen. At night, when most pests are active, they can often cause irregular noises. Sounds in your home that you don’t recognize are always cause for concern. Not interested to investigate them yourself? Call the best in termite inspection in Des Moines at (515) 279-7378. We have decades of experience and a cutting-edge variety of equipment. Odds are, if you think you have a pest problem, that’s probably the clearest early sign that you do.