Pests have a set of basic needs that must be met in order for them to survive. The vast majority of homes have all of the elements pests need to survive and multiply. In fact, many homeowners unknowingly create a perfect environment for pests inside their homes. Are you inviting pests into your home and encouraging them to stay? You may be surprised to learn how easy it is to inadvertently create an appealing place for pests inside your home.
Easy access into the house
Pests are skilled at finding their way into houses. Many are small enough to fit through openings that are not easy to notice with the naked eye. You can make it simple for pests to get inside your house by getting behind on routine maintenance. Damaged weather stripping or caulk can create an opening big enough for several types of pests to easily slip in.
Areas that provide water and dampness
Pests such as cockroaches and rodents are drawn to areas with water. A leaking pipe inside a cabinet or leaving water in the sink to soak dishes over night are both seemingly small things that can create the type of environment pests need. If you put off fixing a leak or dealing with the dirty dishes you can end up with a bigger problem on your hands – a pest infestation.
Spills, crumbs, trash, and improperly stored food
Pests do not require a ton of food in order to survive. For some pests, crumbs or a sticky spill on the floor is plenty of food to draw them inside. Many homeowners make food easy to access by delaying to clean spills, letting the trash pile up, and failing to close food packages properly before returning them to the pantry. Making it easy for pests to access the food in your house will create a perfect environment for them to thrive.
Plenty of spots to hide
There are some types of pests that prefer to stay out of view as much as possible. Cockroaches and rodents are two examples. Roaches often stay hidden by only moving about in the dark. Rodents typically scurry along the perimeter of a room in order to minimize exposure. If your house is cluttered or messy, it will provide pests with plenty of spots to hide.
No homeowner sets out to create the perfect environment for pests to live and thrive. Unfortunately, it is easy to unknowingly provide pests with everything they need to survive. You can reverse this situation by dealing with each of the issues outlined above to ensure that you are not inviting pests inside. You can also bring in a pest professional to treat your home and add a chemical barrier to the other layers of protection you are trying to create.
