.2504070654199.jpg)
If you’ve noticed more bugs sneaking into your home, you might be unknowingly rolling out the red carpet for them. Pests are experts at finding what they need to survive, and quite often, our everyday habits make their job even easier. By understanding the behaviors that attract pests, you can make simple changes to safeguard your home against unwelcome visitors. Here’s a look at some common habits that attract pests and what you can do to break them.
Keeping Food Unsealed or Exposed
One of the main reasons pests invade homes is the promise of food. Unsealed food containers, crumbs on the counter, or even pet food left out overnight can act as a buffet for ants, roaches, rodents, and other household pests. These tiny creatures are always on the hunt, and accessible food sources give them plenty of reasons to stick around.
How to Avoid This Habit:
Store all food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills immediately. Don’t forget about pet food, which should be stored securely after meals. Regularly clean areas like toasters, microwave ovens, and pantry shelves where crumbs can accumulate.
Ignoring Leaky Pipes or Damp Spots
Bugs don’t just need food; they also need water to survive. Damp basements, leaky pipes, or areas with poor drainage inside and outside your home can provide these tiny pests with the moisture they need. Cockroaches, silverfish, and even termites thrive in damp environments, making small water sources a big risk.
How to Avoid This Habit:
Inspect your home regularly for leaks, especially under sinks and around appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Fix any plumbing issues right away. Use a dehumidifier in damp spaces like basements, and ensure areas prone to moisture have proper ventilation.
Leaving Clutter Piled Up
Clutter not only looks messy but also creates the perfect hiding spots for pests. Stacks of newspapers, cardboard boxes, and unused items in attics, basements, or garages can become homes for spiders, rodents, and insects like silverfish. The more places pests have to hide, the harder they are to detect.
How to Avoid This Habit:
Declutter your home regularly. Dispose of or recycle old newspapers, magazines, and unused packaging promptly. Store seasonal items and other belongings in plastic containers with tight lids instead of cardboard boxes.
Forgetting About Outdoor Maintenance
While it’s easy to focus on keeping the inside of your home pest-free, the outdoors plays a critical role in pest prevention, too. Overgrown shrubs, piles of leaves, or stacks of firewood near the house can serve as nesting grounds for pests. Once they’re established outside, it doesn’t take much for them to find a way indoors.
How to Avoid This Habit:
Keep your lawn trimmed and maintain landscaping by cutting back shrubs and trees near your home. Avoid stacking firewood or yard debris directly against your house. Clean gutters regularly to prevent pests like mosquitoes and ants from thriving in clogged, damp spaces.
Leaving Doors and Windows Open or Unsealed
An open window or gaps around doors is an open invitation for pests. Even tiny cracks or weather stripping that’s worn down can allow insects like ants, flies, or spiders to easily get inside.
How to Avoid This Habit:
Install or repair screens on windows and doors, and check that they fit snugly. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal any cracks or gaps that could allow pests entry. Always close doors promptly to minimize opportunities for bugs to sneak in.
Contact Family Pest Control for Expert Pest Protection
Changing these habits can go a long way in keeping pests at bay, but for a thorough and lasting solution, professional help is key. At Family Pest Control, we understand pest behavior and provide targeted treatments to protect your home. Don’t wait for a small pest problem to turn into a full-blown infestation. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take back control of your space!