Being a homeowner means dealing with issues when you least expect it, like a burst pipe or a broken refrigerator. These inconveniences often need immediate attention and can be costly to repair. Sometimes they even lead you to uncover other related problems, like a bug or pest infestation. The unseen home issues listed below are top offenders when it comes to attracting pests to your home.
Dripping Pipes
Bugs are attracted to water, so anytime there is a leaking pipe there is the potential for a pest problem. Slow drips like those under a sink or from an AC unit often go undetected for months, leaving plenty of opportunity for bugs to move into your home. Cockroaches, earwigs, and silverfish are common visitors, but termites can be the most problematic because of the extensive damage they can cause.
Moist Crawlspace
Crawlspaces are common in Hampton Roads and the shallow water table in our area often contributes to a moist environment in the crawlspace. Most people don’t go into their crawlspace frequently, so when excessive moisture is finally noticed, it’s likely been around for a while. In addition to the water-seeking bugs listed above, crawlspaces can also attract larger critters like mice, opossums, or raccoons.
Exposed Cable or Wire Openings
It’s recommended to inspect the exterior of your home once a year in the spring to look for areas in need of repair, like the caulking on your cable or wire openings. If during the course of the year the caulking fails or disintegrates you could go months without realizing it. The cracks and holes around these exposed openings lay out a welcome mat for bugs of all kinds to take shelter in your home.
Clogged Gutters
While most people know to clean their gutters regularly, sometimes after a big storm (or if you forget for a while) gutters can get clogged. The damp debris left in the gutters attracts mosquitos, bees and wasps, and mice and rats. When these pests take up residence in the gutters, they can clog it up even more, cause bacteria to grow, and have easier access to enter your home.
Mold
Anytime there is moisture in the house there is the potential for mold. Mold can go undetected for a long time, especially it’s hidden behind a wall or in the ceiling. Some bugs eat the mold itself, while others are attracted to the organic matter that mold breaks down. Cockroaches, booklice, termites, fungus gnats, and mold mites are often found where there is mold in the home.
The best way to protect your home from bugs and critters is to be proactive. An annual pest control plan ensures a consistent barrier around your home that can help bugs from entering. You also benefit from the expertise of pest control professionals who can spot potential hidden issues before they become a problem. Home Pro Pest Control offers multiple annual plan packages that can help you keep the bugs at bay.