Pests are persistent in their efforts to get inside of your home. It is possible to have problems with pests even if you are diligent in your efforts to keep them out. However, you may be unknowingly attracting pests inside if you do not understand what they are looking for in your home. Three of the most common ways that homeowners unknowingly attract pests inside is with moisture, food, and easy access.
Moisture
There are many types of pests that are attracted to homes by moisture. Subterranean termites need to be close to moisture-rich soil in order to survive. Cockroaches prefer to stay in damp areas like under a sink with a leak. Rodents need access to water in order to survive. These pests, and others, are all attracted into your home by the presence of moisture. If you have leaks or regularly leave water standing in your sink you are creating an environment in your home that is attractive to pests.
Food
All pests require some type of food to survive. For termites the nutrition they need to survive is found in wood. Cockroaches will feed off a variety of things including food scraps and garbage. Ants are always on the hunt for food and will come into your house for something as small as a spill or crumbs on the floor. Like ants, flies are constantly moving about looking for food. Improperly storing your garbage, forgetting to clean up a spill, or leaving food out around the house can attract these pests inside.
Easy Access
The size and shape of many types of pests make it easy for them to find their way into homes. Roaches have flattened bodies that allow the to squeeze through very narrow openings. Ants and termites are tiny and can fit through holes that are not easily noticeable with the naked eye. The fact that pests are good at getting inside does not mean that you should make it easy. Failing to keep up with home maintenance and making necessary repairs can give pests easy access to your home.
Take a hard look at the condition of your home. Do you have any water issues that you need to address? Do you leave leftover food on your dishes in the sink overnight? Is your trashcan overflowing? Are there spills you need to clean up? Are there breaches anywhere around your house that may allow pests inside? Addressing these and other elements that attract pests inside is an important part of protecting your home. The other element of keeping your home protected from pests is getting professional help. Adding regularly scheduled pest control services to your pest protection plan will work together with your prevention efforts to keep pests out of your home.
