Pests can find their way into any part of your home, however there are a few places where they are more likely to lurk. This post delves into some of the most common places around the home to find pests and what you can do to deter them.
Kitchen
The kitchen is where all the food is kept and it is therefore a magnet for pests. Ants, cockroaches, flies, weevils, mice and rats are all attracted to food smells in the kitchen. Once they get hold of food they can contaminate it with bacteria and diseases, which is why they need to be kept out.
These animals are more likely to keep coming back here if food is easily accessible – leaving out food on the counter or leaving food crumbs on the floor are big mistakes that can keep pests coming back. Make sure food crumbs and spillages are cleaned up and get into a habit of storing foods in sealed containers. Be wary that some pests may be able to get into cardboard packaging – in pest-prone areas, it may be better to relocate these foods to plastic tubs or jars that a pest cannot get into.
Attic
Attics are rarely disturbed places in our homes where many animals can feel safe nesting. Birds, bats, squirrels, wasps and roof rats are some of the animals that like to nest in attics. These animals can cause a lot of damage to your attic and any possessions stored there.
Pests are only likely to get in if there are cracks or gaps in your roofing. Once you have dealt with the pest problem, it could be worth hiring a roofing company to seal up any potential entrance so that you don’t get more unwanted visitors.
Basement
The dark and damp conditions of many basements make them the perfect home for various critters. Spiders, termites, cockroaches, ants and centipedes are some of the pests that like to hang out here. Some of these creatures can cause damage, while others are simply unpleasant.
If you’re getting pest problems in your basement, there are two things you’ll want to do. The first solution could be to reduce moisture by installing a dehumidifier – this will make your basement less appealing to bugs like cockroaches. The second thing to do is to seal up any cracks – this should keep out pests and leaks, however you’ll need to constantly look out for future cracks.
Garage
Garages are popular clutter zones that are often neglected. This makes them a popular place for pests like spiders and mice to nest. From your garage, could then spread to other areas of the home.
Keeping your garage tidy and repairing any damage can help to keep pests out. Make sure that the garage door is always fully closed – you could have all kinds of animals coming in there is a big enough gap.
Shed
Just like garages, sheds are often neglected clutter-zones, which can make them a hotspot for pests. Sheds are one of the most popular places for mice and rats to nest. All manner of bugs can nest here too from wasps to spiders.
As with your garage, try to regularly tidy up your shed and seal up any potential entrances. You’re unlikely to keep all creatures out of your shed, but you can keep most of them out.
January 26, 2023 at 4:20 am
Your HVAC ductwork can also be quite vulnerable to pests, especially if the ducts are aged or just dirty. So, remember to clean them once in a while and replace them when needed — there are some signs of ductwork aging that can tell you it’s the right time for a replacement.
February 2, 2023 at 12:17 pm
That’s a valuable addition. I think it’s also worth thinking about installing a ductless AC system. Such a system has many advantages except that it saves you from work such as cleaning and replacing air ducts.
April 17, 2023 at 7:28 am
Good point! It’s also important to inspect air ducts regularly and seal leaks if needed. Properly sealed air ducts make it harder for pests to enter your home. Plus, they help your HVAC system work more efficient and also improve your indoor air quality.
May 3, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Yeah, regular air duct cleaning is important. And as a general rule, it’s recommended to implement duct cleaning every 3-5 years.
February 3, 2023 at 10:29 am
Here’s something that you need to know from us, specialists. I work here at https://www.pestcontrolnearencinitas.com/ – and I tell you – if you want pest control, contact someone for a professional job done. We have lots of clients calling us for emergency pest control because 1 – they don’t know what they are doing, 2 – because they are doing it themselves. DIY pest control should be condone because even if you know where they are hiding, most pests in MOST cases – they need special treatment so they can’t keep infesting your place. So, instead of doing it yourself – make sure to call your specialists first!
April 25, 2023 at 6:50 am
In order to prevent pest infestations it is important to keep some food items such as cereals, potatoes, and dried fruit in the fridge rather than in the pantry or cupboard. Also, remember to take out the trash as soon as necessary – pests love garbage and if you have it sitting in the kitchen, they’ll consider it an invitation to attack.
May 16, 2023 at 8:40 am
If you have central air conditioning system, pests can also live in your air ducts. Recognizing the common pests found in HVAC air ducts is just the first step in fixing the problem. Keeping your air ducts clean and well-sealed is the second.