By an Experienced Pest Control Technician Specializing in South Carolina Homes
Pests Don’t Knock—They Just Move In!
Pest Infestation Signs:
Picture this: You’re sitting in your kitchen, enjoying a late-night snack, when suddenly—boom—a cockroach sprints across the counter like it’s training for the Olympics. Gross, right? Well, here’s the bad news: if you see one, there are probably hundreds more hiding just out of sight.
South Carolina’s warm, humid climate makes it a paradise—not just for us, but for pests too. Roaches, rodents, termites, and ants thrive here, and if they find a way into your home, they’re not leaving without a fight.
So how do you know if you have a pest infestation before it gets out of control? Simple: watch for the pest infestation signs that many homeowners miss. I’ve been in this business long enough to tell you that the sooner you catch an infestation, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix.
👉 If you’re unsure whether your home is infested, Pestora offers a no-obligation, free inspection to help you identify the problem. Call (803) 567-5900 today to schedule your checkup.
10 Pest Infestation Signs You Can’t Ignore

1. Unusual Droppings or Urine Stains – A Common Pest Infestation Sign
If you see tiny black pellets in your cabinets, along baseboards, or in your pantry, that’s rodent poop. Cockroach droppings look like ground black pepper. Larger pests leave bigger, more obvious messes.
And let’s talk about urine stains—yes, it’s as gross as it sounds. Rodents leave trails of urine that glow under UV light. If you’re smelling a strong, musky odor near your walls or attic, you might have mice or rats marking their territory.
👉 What to do:
✅ Clean droppings carefully (don’t sweep them—this can spread disease!).
✅ Set traps if you suspect rodents.
✅ Call a pest control pro if the problem seems bigger than a few stray pests.
2. Strange Noises in the Walls? This Could Be a Hidden Pest Infestation!
Ever been lying in bed at night and heard scratching, scurrying, or even squeaking in the walls? That’s not your imagination—it’s pests partying in your home.
- Mice and rats love to run through your walls and attic.
- Termites make a faint clicking sound when they chew through wood.
- Bats in the attic will make fluttering or chirping noises at dusk.
👉 What to do:
✅ Knock on the walls—if you hear movement, you’ve got guests.
✅ Check the attic and crawl spaces for nests.
✅ Block entry points immediately and call an exterminator.
3. Unexplained Property Damage? Termites or Rodents May Be Infesting Your Home!
Rodents chew on everything—wires, furniture, insulation, even plastic pipes. This isn’t just annoying; it’s dangerous. Electrical fires caused by gnawed wires are more common than people realize.
Termites, on the other hand, silently eat your home from the inside out. By the time you see damage, they may have already caused thousands of dollars in destruction.
👉 What to do:
✅ Check for chewed wires, gnawed furniture, or small holes in baseboards.
✅ Look for hollowed-out wood or peeling paint (both can signal termites).
✅ Call a pest professional before the damage worsens.
4. Seeing Bugs (Dead or Alive)? A Major Pest Infestation Sign!
One live cockroach might not seem like a big deal. But in my experience, if you see one, there are at least 100 more nearby.
Dead bugs can be just as telling. If you suddenly start finding dead roaches, beetles, or moths, you may have an infestation brewing.
👉 What to do:
✅ Check hidden areas like under the sink, behind the fridge, and in the attic.
✅ If you find multiple of the same type of bug, assume there are more.
✅ Take action—DIY traps might not be enough.
5. Foul or Unusual Odors – A Smelly Pest Infestation Sign You Can’t Ignore
Have you ever walked into a room and thought, What is that smell?
- Roaches leave a musty, oily odor.
- Rodents have an ammonia-like urine smell.
- A dead pest hidden in your walls or attic? That’s next-level nasty.
👉 What to do:
✅ Find the source—if you can’t, you might need a professional.
✅ Deep clean problem areas and take preventive action.
6. Grease Marks and Tracks – A Sure Sign of a Pest Infestation in Your Home
Rodents love to run the same paths along your walls and baseboards. Over time, they leave dark, greasy trails from their fur rubbing against surfaces.
👉 What to do:
✅ Inspect walls, baseboards, and pipes for dirty smudges.
✅ Clean these areas and block access points.
What To Do If You Have These Pest Infestation Signs
1. Identify the Pest
Roaches? Rodents? Termites? Knowing your enemy is step one.
2. Remove Food & Water Sources
No crumbs, no standing water, no easy meals for pests.
3. Seal Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime—seal cracks ASAP.
You can seal up holes with Copper Mesh or Great Stuff Pest Foam
4. Try DIY Solutions (If the Problem Is Small)
Sticky traps, natural repellents, and cleaning can help.
5. Call a Pest Control Pro (If the Problem Is Big)
Some infestations are too big for DIY methods.
A professional can provide long-term solutions and prevention plans.
Don’t Wait—Take Action Today!
Pests multiply fast. If you’ve noticed any of these pest infestation signs, don’t ignore them! The longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) the problem becomes.
📞 Still unsure if your home is infested? Call Pestora at (803) 567-5900 for a no-obligation, free inspection today!