No one wants to think about pests crawling around their home or business—but the truth is, infestations often begin long before the signs are obvious. Many homeowners are shocked to discover they’ve been sharing their space with rodents, insects, or other invaders for months without knowing it. That’s because pests are experts at staying hidden—until their presence becomes a much bigger (and more expensive) problem.
At New Day Pest, we believe early detection is key to minimizing damage, protecting your health, and keeping your property pest-free. In this post, we’ll explore 10 subtle but serious signs of a hidden infestation—and what you should do if you notice them.
1. Unexplained Droppings or Smears
Rodents and insects often leave behind droppings or smear marks near baseboards, in cabinets, behind appliances, or in the attic. Rodent droppings look like small, dark pellets, while cockroach droppings may resemble black pepper or coffee grounds. Greasy smear marks along walls or floorboards are another red flag, especially from rats and mice traveling the same path repeatedly.
What to do: Use gloves to safely clean the area and call a pest professional immediately—droppings can carry dangerous bacteria and indicate active nesting.
2. Odd Noises, Especially at Night
Scratching, squeaking, rustling, or tapping in walls or ceilings—particularly after dark—can point to rodents or other nocturnal pests. These sounds are often most noticeable in attics, crawl spaces, and behind walls where pests are nesting.
What to do: Keep track of when and where you hear the sounds. A pest control expert can help locate the entry points and identify the culprit quickly.
3. Mysterious Odors
A musty or sour smell could signal mold growth caused by pest urine or nesting materials. Insects like cockroaches have a distinctly oily or pungent odor, and dead rodents hidden in walls or vents can produce a strong, unmistakable stench.
What to do: Investigate persistent smells and don’t just mask them with air fresheners. If you can’t identify the source, it may be time for a professional inspection.
4. Grease or Dirt Trails
Rodents and some insects create trails of grime along the routes they travel most frequently—usually along walls or behind furniture. These dirty streaks result from body oils, urine, or dirt rubbed off during repeated movement.
What to do: If you spot trails in low-traffic areas of your home, don’t ignore them. These can be mapped by a pest control tech to determine the scope of the infestation.
5. Damaged Food Packaging
Pests are opportunistic and often raid stored food in pantries, basements, or garages. Look for small chew marks, holes, or shredded packaging—especially in grains, cereals, pet food, and bird seed.
What to do: Discard any contaminated food, thoroughly clean storage areas, and transfer pantry goods to airtight containers to prevent further contamination.
6. Chewed Wires, Wood, or Insulation
Rodents must gnaw constantly to keep their teeth trimmed, so they’ll chew on just about anything—including electrical wires (a serious fire hazard), insulation, cardboard, and even PVC pipes. Termites and carpenter ants also damage wood by hollowing it out from the inside.
What to do: If you see gnaw marks or unexplained damage, especially in hidden or hard-to-reach spaces, contact a licensed pest professional to assess structural risks.
7. Dead Insects or Shed Skins
Finding a few dead bugs isn’t unusual, but repeated sightings—especially of the same type—can indicate a larger problem. Look for insect husks or exoskeletons, which pests shed as they grow.
What to do: Note where the evidence is located and how often you’re seeing it. It may point to nesting or breeding sites.
8. Bug Bites or Skin Irritations
Unexplained welts or bites—particularly around ankles, wrists, or while sleeping—may suggest bed bugs, fleas, or mites. These pests can be extremely difficult to eliminate once established.
What to do: Avoid scratching and thoroughly check bedding, furniture, and pet areas. A pest control company can provide proper identification and eradication.
9. Unusual Pet Behavior
Pets often sense pests before humans do. If your dog is barking at the wall or your cat is fixated on a corner, they might be reacting to movement or noises behind the scenes.
What to do: Don’t dismiss your pet’s instincts. Use their behavior as a clue and investigate further, especially if it happens repeatedly in the same location.
10. Nesting Materials or Entry Holes
Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation tucked into quiet corners can be a sign that rodents or insects have set up shop. Entry holes as small as a dime can allow access to mice, while larger ones may invite raccoons, squirrels, or rats.
What to do: Seal any entry points you can find with steel wool or caulk, but be aware that DIY fixes may not be enough for a full-blown infestation.
What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation
If you notice one or more of these signs, don’t panic—but don’t wait either. Infestations worsen over time and can lead to costly damage, contamination, and even health risks. Here’s what you should do:
- Document what you’re seeing – Take photos and note where/when the signs appear.
- Avoid using harsh DIY chemicals – These can be dangerous and may scatter pests further.
- Call New Day Pest for a professional inspection – We offer thorough, discreet evaluations and customized solutions tailored to your home or business.
🛑 Don’t Let Hidden Pests Take Over
At New Day Pest, we know the subtle signs—and we know how to stop infestations at the source. Whether you’re dealing with rodents, insects, or just have a suspicion something isn’t right, we’re here to help you take your space back.
Get peace of mind today. Contact us for a no-obligation pest inspection, and let’s make it a New Day—pest-free.