A recent study of 50 US homes found that all properties housed arthropods. The researchers also discovered them in a vast array, ranging from 32 to over 200 species. While not all were the harmful kind, some were common household pests, like roaches and bed bugs.

That proves how bugs are really omnipresent, so if you think you have a pest problem, chances are, you likely do. Use this guide to help you determine if you do indeed have pests and which ones you may have at home.

Odd or Foul Odors

Researchers say that bed bugs emit alarm pheromones with a sickly sweet odor. They also noted how these blood-sucking pests produce smells when mating too.

Stink bugs discharge a strong, pungent stench if you crush or threaten them. These odors can be reminiscent of ammonia, cilantro, rotten eggs, or rancid meat. They can cause contact dermatitis in individuals who have sensitive skin.

Other critters, such as ants, caterpillars, and cockroaches, release oil-like smells. In many cases, they let these odors out after they get dismembered or if they’re about to die.

Rodents, including mice and rats, have urine that smells like ammonia. These pungent odors are strongest in areas where these creatures feed.

Excrements of Various Sizes

Droppings, also sometimes called frass, are solid signs you have a pest infestation. The feces’ size is proportional to the actual pest’s size; the bigger the excrement, the bigger the pest.

For example, fresh excrements from bed bugs are tiny, blood-colored marker-like dots. Cockroach frass is a bit bigger, resembling ground coffee or pepper. By contrast, rats can produce up to 25,000 pellet-like droppings each year.

Shed Body Parts

The majority of true bugs and insects undergo molting throughout their life cycle. These include pests like bed bugs, carpenter ants, cockroaches, and termites. For these critters, molting enables them to become reproductive adults.

If you see shed body shells and wings, take those as signs of pests. Termites, in particular, shed their wings after finding a partner they can mate with.

Either way, empty bug shells can already be signs of live reproducing adult pests. So, as soon as you see these body parts, do your research on pest control companies. You most likely need professional intervention to put a stop to these pets.

Icky Smear Marks on Surfaces

Trail marks from mice and rats are dark and greasy-looking. Bed bugs can leave behind rust-like spots that consist of dried blood. Cockroaches often leave ink-like trail marks, which can also smear if their feces get damp.

Holes in Packed Food

Cockroaches and rodents can chew through food containers, leaving holes in them. If you see these damages, don’t eat the food anymore, as they may already harbor pathogens. Roaches, mice, and rats can contaminate food with germs like E. coli and salmonella.

Don’t Let Your Pest Problem Get Worse

Most household pests don’t like to reveal themselves, so you may not encounter live ones right off the bat. You don’t want that to happen either, as it can already indicate a severe infestation. So, before that happens, comb through your home to look for these signs of a pest problem.

If you see one or more of the symptoms in this list, call a pest control company right away.

Ready for more tips to keep your home or business healthy and sanitary? Check out our other categories for more educational guides like this!