🪳 Top 7 Signs You Have a Pest Problem in Your Home
Finding a bug or hearing a noise in your attic might seem harmless at first. But if you’re noticing signs often, you could be facing a Pest Problem. Pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, and wasps can damage your home, spread disease, and make your living space uncomfortable.
Knowing what to look for is the first step toward solving the issue. In this guide, we’ll show you the top 7 warning signs that you may have a pest problem in your home—and what you can do about it.
1. Droppings or Urine Stains
One of the most common signs of a pest problem is finding droppings or urine trails.
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Rodents, such as rats and mice, leave small black or brown droppings along walls, in cupboards, or under sinks.
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Cockroaches may leave dark spots or smear marks near water sources.
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Urine may leave a strong smell or cause staining on walls and floors.
👉 If you notice these, it’s a strong indicator that pests are already inside.
2. Strange Noises (Especially at Night)
Do you hear scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds at night? This could mean pests are active in your walls, ceiling, or attic.
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Mice and rats are most active at night and often make scratching or chewing sounds.
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Bats and squirrels can create fluttering or scrambling noises in lofts or attics.
If these sounds are regular, it’s time to investigate further.
3. Unpleasant or Unusual Smells
These often bring unwanted odours. Over time, these smells become strong and unpleasant.
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Rodents have a musty, ammonia-like scent.
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Dead pests, especially in walls or crawl spaces, can cause a terrible smell.
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Cockroaches produce a greasy, oily odour when in large numbers.
👉 These smells can get worse over time, so it’s best to act quickly.
4. Visible Damage to Property
Pests love to chew, scratch, and dig. If you see unexpected damage, it might not be wear and tear—it could be a pest problem.
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Gnawed wires or furniture often point to rats or mice.
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Chewed food packaging suggests pests have made their way into your kitchen.
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Holes or nests in walls or insulation are clear signs of infestation.
Even small damage can lead to big repair bills later, so don’t ignore it.
5. Nests or Hiding Spots
If you’ve found shredded paper, fabric, or insulation bunched together, you may have discovered a pest nest.
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Rodents build nests in hidden, warm areas like behind appliances or in lofts.
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Wasps create paper-like nests, often found under eaves, sheds, or in loft corners.
👉 Finding even one nest usually means there are more pests nearby.
6. Dead Insects Indoors
Finding the odd dead bug isn’t unusual—but a large number is a red flag.
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Windowsills, basements, or under appliances may collect dead insects like ants, cockroaches, or beetles.
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Wing piles may indicate a termite or ant colony nearby.
The more you see, the more likely it is you have a hidden pest problem.
7. Seeing Live Pests
This may seem obvious, but it’s often ignored. If you see one rodent or cockroach, there are likely many more hiding out of sight.
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Cockroaches, for example, hide during the day, so daytime sightings usually mean an infestation.
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Rats or mice seen during daylight hours are also a sign of a large pest population.
Seeing pests more than once a week? It’s time to get help.
Why It’s Important to Act Fast
Many people wait, hoping the problem will go away. But pests multiply quickly and can cause serious issues if left alone. A small pest problem today can turn into a full-blown infestation in weeks.
Common risks include:
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Electrical fires caused by chewed wires
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Food contamination
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Structural damage to walls, floors, and insulation
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Health risks like allergies, bites, or diseases
How to Confirm the Problem
If you’re unsure, it’s best to call in a local pest control expert. A trained technician can:
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Inspect your property thoroughly
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Identify pest types and how they entered
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Offer safe, effective treatments
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Provide advice to prevent future infestations
In Nottingham, Nestbusters Local Pest Control offers fast, same-day pest inspections. They’ll identify the problem and solve it safely, using eco-friendly and humane methods where possible.
Prevent Future Pest Problems
Prevention is just as important as treatment. Here are some simple steps to protect your home:
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Seal entry points: Check gaps in doors, windows, and pipes.
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Store food properly: Use sealed containers and clean crumbs regularly.
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Remove clutter: Pests love to hide in piles of paper, clothes, or rubbish.
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Fix leaks: Moisture attracts insects like cockroaches and silverfish.
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Take out rubbish often: Especially food waste and compost.
These habits help keep pests away and reduce the risk of future infestations.
Final Thoughts
The Pests are more than a nuisance—they’re a threat to your health, comfort, and home. Knowing these 7 signs of a pest problem can help you act quickly and avoid expensive damage.
Whether you’ve noticed droppings, heard scratching, or seen a nest, don’t wait for the problem to grow. The sooner you act, the easier it is to control.
Need Help? Contact Nestbusters Today
If you think you may have a pest problem, trust the experts at Nestbusters Pest Control in Nottingham.
✅ Same-day service
✅ No call-out fee
✅ Certified & friendly technicians
✅ Safe for pets and families
📞 Call 0115 772 2127
🌐 www.nottinghampest.co.uk
Take back control of your home today!