5 Ways Your Home is Attractive to Pests

Some homes are more prone to pest control issues than others. And, it isn’t just because they are dirty. Below are the most common 5 Ways Your Home is Attractive to Pests.

[list line=”no” style=”style5″]

Moisture

[/list]

Pests are attracted to moisture from your HVAC unit, leaky pipes, and standing water. All insects need water to survive. Your HVAC drain pipe must be diverted away from your home. Occasional inspections of visible pipe and easily seen water sources like toilets and sinks. If you see discoloration from a leaky pipe behind a wall, you must fix it quickly. No insect loves standing water more than a mosquito. They are a breeding zones for annoying mosquitoes. Never leave a bucket out to fill with rain water.

[list line=”no” style=”style5″]

Damaged Screens

[/list]

One of the easiest ways for insects to get into your home is through ripped, missing, or damaged screens. Inspecting your screens twice a year will reduce the path of the insects tenfold. Screens are especially effective at keeping flies out. House flies are strongly suspected of transmitting at least 65 diseases to humans, including typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, poliomyelitis, yaws, anthrax,tularemia, leprosy and tuberculosis.

[list line=”no” style=”style5″]

Crumbs or Food Debris

[/list]

Crumbs lying around the counter will attract pests in no time. After cooking always put your food away and wipe down counters. Occasionally sweeping beside the stove and behind the refrigerator is helpful. Pantry shelves are a common place for crumbs to gather and move to the back. Cleaning your trash cans and verifying they have latching lids will keep animals like raccoons out of them.

[list line=”no” style=”style5″]

Clutter

[/list]

When you have a cluttered home, even if it’s clean, you are asking for inspects and pests to move in. Stacks of magazines next to a table creates a very nice, dark, safe space for spiders. Multiple small appliances on counters may hide debris. Over filled kitchen cabinets can host silver fish.

[list line=”no” style=”style5″]

Cracks and Holes

[/list]

Cracks in your exterior allows insects to find shelter from the elements. A hole allows larger animals to make there way into your home, attic, basement, or crawlspace. Fill or repair minor cracks and perform inspections. Holes can be patched, have screens installed, or covered. Make sure you hire an expert for complicated repairs.