How TO Harvest Lemongrass: Tips AND Tricks FOR Growing AND Using This Versatile Herb

Published on: 11 March 2024 Last Updated on: 12 September 2024

Lemongrass is a tropical herb that has a fresh and citrusy flavor and aroma. It is one of the most essential herb that is people widely use in Asian cuisines. They especially use it in Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian dishes. It is also a popular ingredient in teas, soups, curries, salads, and marinades. Lemongrass has many health benefits, such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and relieving stress.

But did you know that you can grow and harvest your own lemongrass at home? Yes, you can! Lemongrass is easy to grow and maintain, and can thrive in pots, containers, or gardens. You can enjoy fresh and organic lemongrass all year round, and save money and time from buying it at the store.

In this article, I will show you how to harvest lemongrass, and share some tips and tricks for growing and using this versatile herb. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to harvest lemongrass, and how to make the most of this wonderful herb.

So, if that is something that you want to know, I have you covered! Keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…

How to Grow Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a wonderful herb that can add a refreshing and citrusy flavor to your dishes, drinks, and teas.

It is also a beautiful ornamental plant that can brighten up your garden with its tall, graceful stalks and fragrant leaves. Lemongrass is native to tropical regions, but you can grow it in cooler climates as well with some care and preparation.

Here are the steps and conditions for growing lemongrass successfully at home:

1. Choose a healthy lemongrass plant or stalk

You can buy a potted lemongrass plant from a nursery or garden center, or you can start your own from a fresh lemongrass stalk that you can find in most grocery stores or Asian markets. Look for a stalk that is firm, green, and has some roots at the base. Avoid any that are dry, brown, or moldy.

2. Prepare a sunny and warm spot for your lemongrass

Lemongrass loves full sun and heat, so choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a colder region, you can grow lemongrass in a container that you can move indoors during the winter.

Use a large pot with drainage holes and fill it with rich, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. You can also add some compost, manure, or leaf mold to improve the soil quality and fertility.

3. Plant your lemongrass in the soil

If you bought a potted plant, simply transplant it to the ground or a larger container, making sure to bury the roots well and leave some space between the stalks.

If you are starting from a stalk, peel off any dead or yellow leaves and trim the top part to about six inches.

Place the stalk in a glass of water and keep it in a sunny windowsill until roots start to grow, which can take a few weeks.

Then, plant the rooted stalk in the soil, leaving about two inches of the stem above the ground. Space the plants about two feet apart to allow them to spread

4. Water and fertilize your lemongrass regularly

Lemongrass needs moist soil to thrive, so water it frequently and deeply, especially during hot and dry periods.

A good rule of thumb is to water it once a week or whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry. You can also apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

Lemongrass also benefits from a monthly dose of liquid organic fertilizer during the growing season, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract. This will help it grow faster and produce more leaves and stalks.

5. Harvest and enjoy your lemongrass

You can start harvesting your lemongrass when the stalks are about a foot tall and half an inch thick. Cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving about two inches of the stem in the ground.

Additionally, you can use the whole stalk, or peel off the outer layers and use only the tender inner part. You can also harvest the leaves and use them fresh or dried for teas and infusions.

Lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also dry it and store it in an airtight container for later use.

How to Harvest Lemongrass?

Harvesting lemongrass is a simple and satisfying process that can be done in a few steps. Here are the basics of how to harvest lemongrass:

Choose the right time

The best time to harvest lemongrass is when the stalks are about 12 inches tall and 0.5 inches thick. This usually happens after 3 to 4 months of planting. You can harvest lemongrass throughout the year, as long as the temperature is above 40°F. You can also harvest lemongrass in batches, leaving some stalks to grow and regenerate.

Cut the stalks

To harvest lemongrass, you need a sharp knife or scissors, and a clean cutting board. Cut the stalks at the base, as close to the soil as possible. You can cut as many stalks as you need, or as many as you can use within a week. You can also trim off the leaves, as they are not edible and can be used for other purposes.

Wash and store the stalks

After cutting the stalks, wash them under running water, and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can store the stalks in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel, and placed in a plastic bag. They can last for up to a week. You can also freeze the stalks, chopped or whole, in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 6 months.

Dividing Lemongrass: What is It and How to Do It?

Dividing lemongrass is a great way to propagate and maintain this aromatic and flavorful herb. Lemongrass is a perennial plant that grows in clumps of stalks and leaves.

Over time, these clumps can become crowded, woody, and less productive. By dividing lemongrass, you can rejuvenate the plant, increase its yield, and share it with others.

Here are the steps and reasons for dividing lemongrass:

1. When to divide lemongrass?

The best time to divide lemongrass is in the spring, after the last frost date when the plant is actively growing and has new shoots.

You can also divide lemongrass in the fall if you live in a warm winter climate or if you plan to overwinter the divisions indoors.

Avoid dividing lemongrass in the summer, when the heat and drought can stress the plant and reduce its survival rate.

2. How to divide lemongrass?

To divide lemongrass, you must dig up the entire plant and separate it into smaller sections. You can use a shovel, a sharp knife, or your hands to do this.

Each section should have at least one inch of root and several healthy stalks and leaves attached.

You can trim the leaves to about six inches to reduce water loss and make the divisions easier to handle. Discard any old, brown, or damaged parts of the plant.

3. Where to plant lemongrass divisions?

You can plant lemongrass divisions in the same spot where you dug up the parent plant or in a new location with full sun, moist and well-drained soil, and plenty of organic matter.

You can also plant lemongrass divisions in containers at least 10 inches deep with drainage holes. Space the divisions about two feet apart to allow room for growth.

Plant the divisions at the same depth as they were before, with the crown just below the soil surface.

4. How to care for lemongrass divisions?

Lemongrass divisions need regular water and fertilizer to establish and thrive. Water them deeply and frequently, especially during the first few weeks and during hot and dry periods.

You can also apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Fertilize the plants once a month with a liquid organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, during the growing season.

Protect the plants from frost in the winter by moving them indoors or covering them with a frost cloth.

5. How to harvest and use lemongrass divisions?

You can start harvesting lemongrass divisions when they are about a foot tall and half an inch thick. Cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving about two inches of the stem in the ground. You can use the whole stalk, peel off the outer layers, and use only the tender inner part.

Additionally, you can also harvest the leaves and use them fresh or dried for teas and infusions. Lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also dry it and store it in an airtight container for later use.

How to Use Lemongrass in Food?

Lemongrass has a long, green stalk with a bulbous base and grassy leaves. It has a lemony taste with a hint of mint and ginger. Lemongrass can be used fresh, dried, or powdered, depending on the recipe and preference. Here are some ways related to how to use lemongrass in different ways:

Fresh lemongrass

Firstly, fresh lemongrass is the most aromatic and versatile form of lemongrass. You can find it in the produce section of most supermarkets, Asian markets, or online.

To prepare fresh lemongrass, you need to peel off the tough outer layers and trim off the root end and the top third of the stalk. You can use a sharp knife or scissors to do this. The part that you want to use is the pale and tender lower part of the stalk.

After that, you can slice it thinly, chop it finely, or bruise it with a pestle or the back of a knife. Slicing or chopping is good for salads, stir-fries, curries, and marinades, while bruising is good for soups, stews, and broths.

You can also make a paste by pounding or blending lemongrass with other ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, chilies, and cilantro.

A paste is great for adding flavor to meats, seafood, tofu, and rice. You can store fresh lemongrass in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.

Dried lemongrass

Secondly, dried lemongrass is less potent than fresh lemongrass but still has a nice, lemony flavor. You can buy it in whole or sliced form or dry your lemongrass by hanging the stalks in a warm and airy place until they are brittle.

Dried lemongrass is good for making teas, infusions, and herbal blends. You can also use it to flavor soups, stews, and broths, but you must soak it in hot water for about 20 minutes before adding it to the pot.

Additionally, you can store dried lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Powdered lemongrass

Lastly, powdered lemongrass is the most convenient form of lemongrass, as it does not require any preparation. You can buy it in spice shops, Asian markets, or online.

Powdered lemongrass has a mild and sweet flavor and can be used in baking, desserts, sauces, and dressings. You can also sprinkle it over salads, soups, and stir-fries for a touch of freshness.

The shelf life of powdered lemongrass is also great. For up to six months, you can store powdered lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.

How to Use Lemongrass in Other Things?

Apart from cooking, you can use lemongrass in many other ways. Some of the best and most popular uses of this herb are as follows:

Beautifying

You can use lemongrass to make your own beauty products, such as soap, lotion, or shampoo. You can infuse the stalks or the leaves with oil, such as coconut, olive, or almond oil.

Moreover, you can also add other ingredients, such as honey, aloe vera, or essential oils. You can use the products to cleanse, moisturize, or scent your skin and hair.

Healing

You can use lemongrass to treat various ailments, such as headaches, colds, or infections. You can inhale the steam from boiling the stalks or the leaves, or apply the oil to your temples, chest, or throat.

Additionally, you can also drink the tea, or gargle with the syrup. You can use the products to relieve pain, inflammation, or congestion.

Wrapping It Up!

If you want to know how to harvest lemongrass, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries about the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the bottom of the page. Then leave your suggestions and comments in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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10 Best Bedroom Plants To Buy In 2022

“I Want To Create A Place, Like A Little Island.” Are you planning to give your bedroom a tropical makeover soon? If you are, then you have arrived at the right destination! Because we will tell you about all the bedroom plants that could amp up your room into a comfy island to sleep in! Okay, maybe the island is a bit too much, how about tropical paradise? In that case, you just need to be a little patient and scroll down to find out all the air-purifying foliage plants that will keep your heart healthy and happy! So what are you waiting for? Go check out all the cool alternatives of indoor plants mentioned below now! Click Here To Read: 10 Best Low Maintenance Plants To Buy In 2022 10 Best Bedroom Plants To Buy In 2022: So without wasting any further time, let’s find out which are the best plants for the bedroom! Then, scroll down and read more on the same! 1. Pink Anthurium If you are not sure how buying too many bedroom plants will look like a part of your decor, you can choose to start small. In that case, your best alternative is the Pink Anthurium! It does not just add color to your room, but the plant is also blessed with beautiful flowers which can last for eight weeks. Best For: People who love flowers. Care Guide: Thrives best in bright or medium indirect light - best to stay out of the Sun. Benefits from excess humidity - water the plant every one or two weeks. Water the plant more if the light’s brighter. The flowers are actually spathes which are basically waxy leaves that have undergone modification. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: Yellowing leaves. Green colored new flowers. Existing flowers have become pale green. Leaf elongation. 2. Fiddle-Leaf Fig “Home Is Where My Plants Are.” The Fiddle-Leaf Fig has been trending on Instagram, and we can’t get enough of these bedroom plants. Since these can grow up to six feet in height, you can easily use these lush green plants to fill an empty corner. Best For: People with large bedrooms. Care Guide: Thrives best in bright, humid, and warm conditions. Needs relatively more attention for healthy indoor growth. Needs a window that faces the East or an area brightly filtered with light. Requires warm temperature and careful watering. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: Yellow leaves Brown spots Excessive loss of leaves Foilage inclusive of holes 3. Organic Lavender The best part of opting for the Organic Lavender plant is it can help you lighten up before bed with its calming smell and relaxing presence. You can make things more interesting by growing your own Organic Lavender plant and then decorating your window sill or another suitable spot with the same. Best For: People looking for the overall most worthy bedroom plants. Care Guide: Organic Lavender plants are pretty low-maintenance. Requires annual pruning. Water the plant every one or two weeks. These plants need extra protection in colder areas. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: If the stems of the plant easily snap, it means the plant is probably dead. Drooping or wilting appearance. Yellow or brown foliage. Read More: 10 Best Foliage Plants To Buy In 2022 – Must Read! 4. Large Monstera Deliciosa “I Have Enough Plants, Said No One Ever.” Popular for cute leaf holes, the Monstera deliciosa plant can bring a quirky touch to your room. In fact, if you are looking for some fun plants for your bedroom, then this one is totally for you! Best For: People with a quirky, aesthetic vibe. Care Guide: Thrives best in bright or medium indirect light. Benefits from water that has been filtered or left out overnight. Water the plant every one or two weeks - Water the plant more if the light’s brighter. The leaf holes are actually called fenestrations which serve the purpose of maximizing sun capture. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: Leaves turn crispy or brown, especially on the edges Yellowing leaves Black Stems Wilting plant 5. Bird Of Paradise The Bird of Paradise is one plant that can transform your room into a tropical delight! While opting for these bedroom plants, make sure the space is sun-drenched since these thrive best in sunny spaces. Best For: People with sunny bedrooms. Care Guide: Thrives best either under direct or bright indirect light. Sensitive to tap water that’s hard. Benefits from water that has been filtered or left out overnight. Benefits from excess humidity - water the plant every one or two weeks. Named after crane-like, colorful flowers that the plant usually produces in a native environment. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: Yellowing of lower leaves. Curling and wilting of leaves. The sides of the leaves are characterized by splits. 6. Zen Peace Lily Plant “If Plant Hoarding Is Wrong, I Don’t Want To Be Right.” The Zen Peace Lily Plant is one of the best bedroom plants of all time. It’s not just a beautiful plant - in fact, the Zen Peace Lily Plant is also beneficial since it is air-purifying in nature and removes toxins like ammonia and formaldehyde. Best For: People who are looking for plants that can remove air toxins. Care Guide: Thrives best in indirect light that’s bright. Sensitive to tap water that’s hard. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: Drooping of leaves Wilting of leaves 7. Costa Farms Aglaonema Native to different areas in China, the Costa Farms Aglaonema is a tabletop plant that flourishes well indoors too. The plant is characterized by large leaves, and these, in turn, make the plant look extra lush. These serve well as low-maintenance plants as well. Best For: People who love large, colorful leaves. Care Guide: Thrives best in bright or medium indirect light. Water the plant every one or two weeks. Water more when the light’s bright. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: Yellowing leaves Leaf drop Drooping of leaves Curling of leaves You May Like To Read This: What Are Trailing Plants? – What Are The Types Of Trailing Plants? 8. Costa Farms Snake Plant “If A Plant Is Sad, Do Other Plants Photosympathise With It?” If you are a beginner trying to place pretty plants in bedroom, then the Costa Farms Snake Plant is a choice for you. These are great for dark or low light bedrooms due to low-maintenance nature in terms of light and water requirements. Best For: People who are beginners at owning and maintaining plants. Care Guide: Thrives best in bright or medium indirect light. Tolerates indirect light that’s low. Water the plant every two or three weeks. Water more when the light is relatively brighter. A succulent that can tolerate droughts. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: Mushy leaves Wrinkled leaves 9. Costa Farms Majesty Palm Tree We think that bedroom plants like the Costa Farms Majesty Palm Tree can easily convert the vibe of any space into beachy and tropical in the blink of an eye. After all, a little staycation never harmed anyone. Best For: People who want to purchase the best bedroom tree. Care Guide: Thrives best in indirect light, that’s bright. Tolerates indirect light that’s of medium brightness. Pet-friendly plant. Benefits from excess humidity - water the plant every one or two weeks. Water the plant more if the light’s brighter. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: Crispy edges browning leaves Yellowing leaves 10. Burgundy Rubber Tree Plant One of the best bedroom plants of all time, the Burgundy Rubber Tree Plant can be easily cared for, making it a favorite with plant owners. The best part? The popular indoor plant can be grown easily with minimal care under artificial light. Best For: People who do not have a lot of time to commit to their indoor plants. Care Guide: Thrives best in indirect light that’s bright. Benefits from direct sunlight for a few hours. Water the plant every one or two weeks. Named after the burgundy-colored, pigmented leaves. Signs Of Declining Plant Health: Mushy leaves Black Stems Dropping leaves Leaf drop Etiolation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. What Are The Lucky Plants In 2022? The most lucky plant in 2022 is Bamboo stalks placed in water jars with stones to bring peace and luck. It is also being said that people have to plant three stalks for abundance, bliss, and life span, while for prosperity, plant five stalks. Q2. Which Is The Best Plant To Keep In The Bedroom? The best plants to keep you in your bedroom are as follows. English Ivy Golden Pothos Spider Plant Rubber Plant Gardenia Q3. What Is The Best Plant In 2022? The best plants for 2022 are as follows. Sansevieria Moonshine Alocasia Plant Bunny Ear Cactus Chinese Money Plant Blue Star Fern Anddddd It’s A Leafy Wrap! Gone are the days of fake plants for bedroom. Instead, the time for adding a fresh, tropical vibe to your bedroom is here. 2022 is about going all-natural and minimal with your style, decor, and overall aesthetics, especially from a visually appealing aesthetic. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to redecorate your room with some beautiful bedroom plants! Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below! Read Also: 10 Best Tropical Plants To Buy In 2022 10 Best Tall House Plants To Buy In 2022 5 good luck plants that deserves a place in your home

10 Best Aesthetic Plants To Buy In 2022

Making a home habitable is all about decorating it with the right elements. The decoration needs to please your senses to make you feel comfortable with the proper sense of aesthetic decorum; above all, it needs to make you feel at home. There is no better way of decorating your home than the touch of green. Many indoor plants help you decorate the house just the way you need. They restore the life the brick and woods of your house were missing. Aesthetic plants are amazing because of their looks, but they also help you with several health benefits like refreshing the air indoors. You can decorate your aesthetic bedroom with plants and bring nature home for a healthier, happier, and merrier life indoors. So, if you are interested in making your indoors look incredible, you need to bring some indoor plants home and decorate the indoors more beautifully. This article has talked about several aesthetic plants that will help you do just that. 10 Best Aesthetic Plants When I said aesthetic plants, I meant nothing but aesthetic. These plants look elegant in their beauty and versatility, and they are perfect for decorating your home properly. Here are some of the best plants for aesthetic home decoration. 1. Alocasia Silver Dragon Alocasia silver dragon is a beautiful aesthetic plant that adorns your home with its thick veined leaves. They are a famous variety of the Alocasia Baginda plant. The light to dark green leaves is just as pretty as aesthetic in looks. If you plan to keep one of them on the table, you are making a good decision. You are going to love how good they look indoors. They require minimum sunlight, so you won't have much to worry about keeping them indoors. Read More: Looking for a Gardener: 8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Professional 2. Bird Of Paradise According to many, the Bird of Paradise is the queen of all indoor plants. The large and upright plant adds a glossy and clean feel to your indoors. This aesthetic plant will decorate your drawing room indoors and refresh the air indoors. You can grow the Bird of Paradise in the low light, but they won't grow faster that way. So, I recommend keeping it somewhere the plant gets maximum sunlight through the window. You need to water the plant when the soil in the pot gets dry by fifty percent. 3. Foliage Houseplants The decorative foliage is another aesthetic houseplant you can keep at home. Tropical foliage, calcium, and several other foliage aesthetic plants are incredibly pretty for decorating the indoors of your house. Having one or two of these plants in your drawing room will add more decoration and beauty to your house. These plants need a medium amount of sunlight. So it would help if you kept in mind to put them somewhere the sunlight reaches them. Also, since the foliage plants are tropical, it would be better to keep the potting soil wet most of the time. You May Like To Read This: Garden Edging for Beginners 4. Parlor Palm NASA uses the Parlor palm plant as one of the most effective air cleansing plants. They are the ideal aesthetic plants for decorating the indoors of your house. Their size remains perfect even when you are growing them indoors. They grow around 2.5 ft in height. The way the leaves of the parlor palm trees grow is a sight to look at. They are decorative and keep the indoor environment healthy at all times. When keeping one of these plants indoors, you need to keep in mind to make a good drainage system and keep the potting soil mildly wet. 5. Lemon Tree This might sound like the craziest idea ever, but a lemon tree can also take the indoors and make it look more appealing to the spectators' eyes. Of course, many aesthetic plants may appeal more to you than a lemon tree, but a lemon tree will surely have the upper hand in giving the house the refreshment it deserves. Your lemon tree needs an ample amount of sunlight and regular watering. Also, it would help if you remembered to let the soil dry out before you water it. 6. Rubber Plant Rubber plants or Ficus Elastica are incredible for derating your indoors. Once you get one of these aesthetic plants for your indoors, you will understand how amazing they are in refreshing the indoors while also decorating the indoors properly. When growing a rubber plant, you will need a minimum amount of sunlight (even indirect sunlight will do). There is no specific humidity level required. It would help if you watered them once or twice every week; also, let the soil dry before watering. The rubber plant is a low-maintenance aesthetic house plant, so if you were looking for one such plant, we recommend buying them. 7. Calathea Aesthetic Plant For a tabletop decoration, you can indeed choose the Calathea plant. The dual tones of the plant make your indoors look gorgeous with a dignified look. It is a low-light plant so you can keep it inside without any problem. They also don't require lots of watering, and they are pet-friendly. 8. Boston Ferns Ferns can be the pretty, perky, and adorable green aesthetic indoor plant you have been looking for. There is no match for a pot of fern on your table for indoor decoration. The green color of the ferns will look incredible in your house if you keep them for decoration. If you want to use ferns indoors, you can opt for Boston Ferns. They need very little light so that they will be just fine indoors. But you need to regularly water the pot so that the soil remains moist. 9. Money Plant A small aesthetic plant indoors that brings luck, fortune, money, and wealth in your life is the money plant. According to popular opinion, the money plant is an aesthetic plant that helps restore wealth, luck, and fortune if you keep them indoors. As an indoor plant, the money plant requires lots of sunlight and regular water, so you need to be careful about them if you are growing any at home. 10. Heart Leaf Philodendron Heartleaf Philodendron requires bright and healthy light and needs regular care if you want to grow them. However, these are excellent choices for decorating your indoors because of their beautiful-looking leaves and flowers. It is important to provide them with the proper amount of moisture in the soil, regular pruning, and the required amount of fertilizers. There is plenty of caregiving that your heart leaf philodendron needs. Conclusion Aesthetic plants are an excellent addition to your home decor, and they add incredible value, beauty, and health benefits to your home. However, if you want to decorate your indoors with full potential, you need to consider keeping them in your home. Here, in this article, We have provided the names of a few of them to help you buy the right one. Read Also: DIY Ways to Control Pests in Your Garden What Is the Fastest Growing Plant On Earth? 5 Tips to Keeping Animals Away From Your Garden

9 Signs You Have a Pest Infestation in Your House (And What to Do About It)

The average American home has dozens or even hundreds of different kinds of insects living inside it. However, the vast majority of those tiny, unseen roommates aren't pests. Many insects and other small creatures can live peacefully near humans without causing problems. But others are pests that can infest your home, breeding in huge numbers and turning up everywhere you don't want them. From mice to cockroaches, these pests can leave all sorts of different signs. Humans have been doing pest control for thousands of years. But if you don't know what to look for, you won't know how to take the steps you need to control a pest infestation. In this guide, we'll show you exactly which signs of a pest infestation to look for. Once you recognize the problem, you can start taking the steps to fix it. Keep reading for what you need to know! 1. Damaged Wires or Furniture Big pests, like mice, often chew on furniture or through cords. If you see damaged wires or bite marks on your furniture, you probably have a pest problem that's not just insects. Rodents need to chew on things because their teeth constantly grow and need to be worn down. You'll see the marks of this activity down low, near the floor. You might also find signs that mice have been eating the food in your pantry. This damage will probably leave you asking, "What is the best way to get rid of mice?" However, the answer to this is the same as the answer to getting rid of any pests: you should always call a professional. DIY solutions are rarely completely effective. 2. Signs of Nesting Rodents also like to build nests, and you might see the signs during a thorough check of your home. They'll use any available materials to build their nests. You'll need to check all the small, hidden areas of your home where they might have started nesting. Common signs include shredded paper and cardboard. 3. Droppings Droppings are definitely one of the most unpleasant signs of a pest infestation you can come across. You can often figure out the type of pest you're working with by looking closely at the droppings. If it's a rodent, you'll find long, solid droppings that are sometimes shaped like cones. These droppings tend to be small, and won't have a strong scent. While that's a good thing, it also makes them difficult to spot. Insects droppings are different. You might find exoskeletons that have been shed, or wings, legs, and other parts of the insect body. A different sign of insect pests can be spider webs. Although spiders themselves aren't usually pests, their webs signal that they might be trying to catch the insects that have infested your home. 4. History of Pest Infestation Not sure if you're seeing sure signs of a pest infestation? Your house or apartment's history might hold some clues. Try to contact previous owners or tenants and see if they've experienced infestations before. You can also ask your neighbors if they've had any infestation issues. Where pests have been, they'll often come back, especially if measures to prevent their return aren't taken. 5. Dirt and Grime This is one of the more subtle signs of an infestation. Sometimes, what looks like a simple buildup of dirt can actually show that you're dealing with an infestation. One reason everyone hates pests is that they make a mess wherever they go. In places where insects, rodents, and other pests hang out, you might find crumbs, dirt smudges, and other bad signs. Rodents often take the same routes back and forth, so they'll leave streaks of dirt or grease along the paths they've taken. If there's dust on the floor, you may also see a trail where pests have walked. These signs may start out small, but they'll build as time goes on. The sooner you can catch them, the better. 6. Plant Damage Many insects feed on plants. If your house plants show signs of gnawing around the edges, and you don't have a pet that might have done it, it's likely due to a pest in the house. 7. Unpleasant Smells Sometimes, you'll smell a pest infestation before you see it. If you're dealing with insects that carry food, like ants, the smell could be that of rotting food they've dropped or stashed somewhere. You might also smell the pests that have died somewhere in your home, where you can't see them. They often hide in the walls or under floorboards. If you start to notice an unusual, unpleasant scent in one part of your house, make sure to carefully check it out. You might find an infestation you weren't expecting. 8. Live Pests The most obvious sign of an infestation is visually seeing live pests. However, sometimes it's easy to dismiss the problem if you see just one. Keep in mind that if one pest made itself visible, there are probably many more where it came from. These creatures tend to be great at hiding. If you catch them, you probably already have a problem -- it's not just a single creature in your home. 9. Strange Noises Almost all of your senses are useful when it comes to detecting a pest problem. Sometimes, they make unusual sounds that can be quiet and hard to catch. Pay close attention to the sounds in your home late at night, when everything's quiet. You can also put your ear up to the wall, floor, or anywhere the pests might be hiding. The sounds you hear can confirm the other signs you've found. What to Do About a Pest Infestation Now that you've spotted the signs of a pest infestation, what should you do about it? As mentioned above, your first step should always be to call professional help. If you try to fix the problem yourself, it can grow much bigger before you can stop it. Need to protect the outside of your home too? Check out our guide to keeping pests away from your garden here. Read Also: 10 Pest Control Tips To Keep Pests Away This Summer What You Should Expect From A Pest Control Visit