Top 5 Common Household Pests and How to Identify Them

Have you spotted signs of a nuisance wildlife infestation on your property? Many household pests leave similar signs indicating that they are present, making it somewhat difficult to know what creature you’re dealing with without seeing the creature itself. Here are some of the most common household pests that infest Pittsburgh, PA homes and how you can identify them.

Identifying Common Household Pests

1. Rodents

While there are many species of rodents that could potentially infest a Pittsburgh-area property, rats and mice are the most common. A good visual indication that you have a mouse infestation rather than a rat infestation is that mice have very small droppings that are typically no bigger than half of a single grain of rice. On the other hand, rats (and their droppings) are usually bigger, longer, and more of a mess. Mice and rats will also chew on molding, furniture, and electrical wires.

2. Squirrels

Squirrels are a common household pest often found in the walls and attics of residential homes. The agile rodents can easily access households through overhanging branches, roof vents, and chimneys. Once inside, they will scavenge for food and nest in warm, dark spaces. A squirrel infestation can be identified if you notice shredded attic insulation, scratches on your drywall, or an increase of squirrels on your roof or in the trees around your home.

3. Raccoons

Raccoons are one of the most destructive household pests. A common giveaway sign of the presence of raccoons is knocked over trashcans and litter in the yard. However, nocturnal raccoons are also known to break into homes in search of a midnight snack, shredding window screens and vents in the process.

4. Bats

During certain seasons of the year, bat infestations increase in residential areas of Pittsburgh due to their mating season. One strong sign that you may have a bat infestation is if you start to smell ammonia around your house, because bat guano tends to give off a toxic ammonia-like scent.

5. Woodpeckers

If you hear an incessant pecking noise on your trees or against your house, then you’re likely dealing with a woodpecker. Infamous for their pecking behavior, these arboreal birds will probably be heard long before being seen. Nuisance woodpeckers can compromise your trees and create small divots in your home’s siding and along your gutter downspouts. 

If you’re seeking an effective way to remove nuisance pests from your Pittsburgh-area property, call the pest control professionals at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.

Eliminate Household Pests with Critter Control® of Pittsburgh

At Critter Control® of Pittsburgh, our team of licensed and experienced pest control technicians are dedicated to safely and humanely removing unwanted household pests from your Pittsburgh-area property, and ensuring they cannot return in the future.

To schedule an inspection of your Pittsburgh-area property and receive a free estimate for our household pest removal services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.