A pest infestation is every homeowner’s and business owner’s worst nightmare. There’s nothing more horrifying than discovering that critters or creepy crawlies have taken up residence on your property! Not only do pests spread disease, but they can also do serious damage to your property. From rats and mice to termites and bed bugs, there are many different types of pests that can infiltrate your home or business. To keep the damage to a minimum and prevent potential health problems for you and your loved ones, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a pest infestation so that you can have the problem treated. You might be wondering, does a pest infestation smell? And if so, what does a pest infestation smell like? Keep reading to learn more!
What Does a Pest Infestation Smell Like?
There are several signs that can be associated with pest infestations, and they vary depending on the specific type of pest you’re dealing with. There’s a common sign that is often attributed to infestations that surprisingly, many homeowners are unaware of… foul odors.
If you notice an unusual, off-putting scent in your house, there’s a good chance that unwanted rodents or insects are to blame. What do those odors smell like? The following is a list of smells that are associated with different types of pest infestations.
Rodents
Mice, rats, raccoons; there are several types of rodents that can take up shelter in your house and make your home smell. You might think that it would be easy to detect these pests but surprisingly, it can be difficult, as most rodents are nocturnal (sleep during the day and active at night). There is one sign that can definitely alert you to a rodent problem, however. That is a foul smell!
Often, the scent that is associated with rodents is a musty smell, and similar to ammonia. That odor is due to their urine and droppings, which produce an ammonia-like scent. If you notice this unmistakable scent in your home, there’s a good chance that rodents are to blame.
Roaches
It might come as a surprise, but cockroaches produce a scent. Like rodents, the scent associated with roaches can be musty in nature; however, it can also smell like trash and grease mixed together. If you’ve been getting whiffs of these unpleasant scents, particularly in parts of your home where you store food, such as kitchen cabinets and pantries, roaches could be the culprit.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are another pest that you might be surprised to find generates a distinctive odor. These insects excrete pheromones that produce a sweet, yet musky scent. They release this scent when they’re disturbed to alert other bed bugs. If there is a significant infestation, the smell can become extremely overpowering.
If you’re experiencing a sweet, yet sickly odor in your home, bed bugs could be to blame. Keep in mind that while they do inhabit beds, these pests can and do take up residence in various other furnishings and materials, such as upholstered furniture, carpeting and rugs, and even underneath wood floor planks.
Termites
Termites are wood-boring insects that are notorious for doing serious structural damage to homes. If you have a termite infestation, before you notice any damage to the wood in your house, you might notice the unusual odor that they produce.
The scent that termites emit is similar to mold or mildew. The reason for this unusual odor? The moisture damage and decay that usually occurs when these pests infest wood. If you’ve been experiencing a musty, damp, moldy odor in your house, there’s a good chance that termites are the source.
Think You Might Have A Pest Infestation in Your Home?
It’s important to be aware of the signs of a pest infestation in your home. If you notice any of the above-mentioned scents – or any other unusual, unexplained odor – contact a pest control company near you immediately. A reputable pest control professional will perform a thorough assessment of your property to determine if pests are, in fact, the source of the unpleasant aromas.
Additional Information: Yes, That Ant Does Smell Like Blue Cheese
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