You don’t want pests in your game room. Why? Cockroaches, mice, ants, bed bugs, rats, etc not only contaminate your food, and spread disease but they can also damage your gaming equipment, particularly your consoles. Unfortunately, pests can find their way into even the best-kept homes. If you suspect an infestation, how do you make sure it’s really time to book an appointment with a pest control service? Here are four signs that you may have a pest problem.
Droppings
Small droppings around your game table or in corners could be a sign of rodents like mice or rats. What do droppings look like? They’re small, black, and pellet-shaped. These droppings can contaminate surfaces and spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella.
If you see droppings, it’s important to clean them up immediately and not just wait for pest control. A good way to clean the area is to use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck them up. Then, disinfect the area with a mixture of bleach and water.
Chew Marks
Rodents like to nibble on everything, even your game equipment, and wires. If you see small chew marks on your equipment, it’s a good indication that you have a rodent problem.
How do you recognize chew marks? They’re usually small but irregular, so pay close attention to all wood, plastic, and metal surfaces or pieces.
You can repair minor damage with wood filler or super glue. For more serious damage, you may need to replace the damaged piece entirely.
Unusual Noises
If you hear scurrying, squeaking, or scratching sounds coming from your walls, it’s a good sign that you have pests. These sounds could be present at all hours of the day as many pests scurry about regardless of the time. But you may also have to wait till nighttime to search for certain pests that are nocturnal.
If the noise bothers you as you wait for a pest control service, you can try to block it out with noise-canceling headphones. Or, by playing music or white noise.
Strange Smells
If you notice a musty or musky smell in your game room, it’s likely another sign of pests.
For example, mice and rats produce pheromones to mark their territory, and this can cause an unpleasant smell. Cockroaches also produce an unpleasant smell.
How do you get rid of the smell while you wait for professional help? Try using a strong air freshener or an essential oil diffuser.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action right away. Pests can cause serious damage to your gaming equipment in addition to spreading disease, so it’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible. Contact a pest control company to have them inspect the room and determine the best course of action.
