Pest infestations are dreaded by every homeowner. Not only are they distressing, but they can sometimes be expensive if caught too late. Aside from preventative measures—such as keeping your home clean and scheduling routine pest control inspections—one of the best things you can do is be vigilant.

To help you know what to look for, the experts at 24-7 Animal & Pest Control of Saint Louis, MO, have compiled a quick list of tell-tale signs. They've been in the pest and wildlife control business for more than 20 years, so you can trust their expertise.

If you suspect the presence of rodents, insects, bats, or birds, 24-7 Animal & Pest Control recommends being on alert for the following:

• Droppings: The most visible sign of an infestation is animal droppings. If you keep things tidy, they're easy to spot. However, don't forget to look in hard-to-reach areas like the bottom corners of the pantry, cupboards, drawers, under the sink, and in closets.
• Foul Odors: These usually accompany droppings, but if you don't see any, they may be emitting an odor from hidden locations—like underneath heavy furniture or behind the walls.
• Gnaw Marks: If you see signs of gnawing on the corners of food packaging, walls, or baseboards, you can assume these marks were made by rats or other rodents like squirrels. Chewed wires also indicate rodent infestations.
• Greasy Tracks: Because rodents and raccoons like to scavenge, including in the trash, they tend to leave greasy tracks as they move. However, since their paws are small, you may not notice them until you look closely at your floors and walls.
• Strange Sounds: Rodents, raccoons, squirrels, and birds prefer to stay out of sight, so you need to keep an ear out too. Listen for any scurrying, flapping, or simply anything out of the ordinary.

Should you detect any of these signs, don't hesitate to reach out to 24-7 Animal & Pest Control. Whether you need raccoon, spider, or bat removal, if you're in the Saint Louis area, they're the company to contact. Schedule an appointment for an inspection today by calling (314) 236-7378 or sending a message through their website. If you're looking for tips on preventing a pest infestation, they have a handful of them online.