- Pests are common in the U.S. and enter homes through food, water sources, clutter, holes, and landscaping.
- Keeping a clean kitchen and dining area, disposing of waste properly, and maintaining pipes can reduce the risk of pest infestations.
- Clutter and mess can offer dark and warm hiding spots for pests; keep your home well-organized and free from clutter to spot an infestation early.
- Seal openings around the house to prevent pests from entering; trim any overgrown vegetation near your home.
- Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for signs of pests; contact professionals if any evidence is found.
It’s never a pleasant experience to find unwanted pests in your home. Pests can cause damage to your home, carry diseases, and make you uncomfortable. Although pests are a part of life, you don’t have to live with them inside your home. Understanding why pests infest your home is the first step towards preventing them from entering your sanctuary. Here’s what you need to know about pests in the country, why they are infesting your home, and what you can do to prevent them.
Pests in The U.S.
Pests are a common problem throughout the United States. Some of the most common pests are ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, and termites. Rats are also fairly common, with millions of households seeing a rat at home. These pests can enter your home in a variety of ways. Here are some of those ways:
Food and Water Sources
Pests always search for food and water sources; your home may provide them with just that. Keeping your kitchen and dining areas clean is essential so no crumbs, spills, or stale food are left behind. Storing food in sealed containers and disposing of waste properly can prevent pests from finding a food source. Pests can also drink from leaky pipes, standing water, or open containers of water, so regular maintenance of pipes and faucets is essential.
Clutter and Mess
Believe it or not, clutter and mess can become a hiding and breeding ground for pests. Cluttered areas offer dark, warm, and protected spaces for pests to make their home, build a nest, or lay their eggs. Keeping your home clean, well-organized, and free from clutter can reduce the number of hiding spots for pests and help you spot an infestation early.
Openings and Holes
Small openings and holes around your home can invite pests to enter. Pests can enter through gaps in the foundation, walls, or roof. They can also crawl through chimneys, window cracks, or doors. Regular home maintenance, like sealing openings and holes, can prevent unwanted guests from entering.
Landscaping
Your outdoor area can also be a factor that attracts pests to your home. Trees, bushes, and other vegetation can make it easy for pests to travel from outside to inside. Ensure no vegetation touches your home exterior, and trim any overgrown landscaping near your home. Proper landscaping practices can help keep pests at bay.
Outside Factors
Pests can make their way inside your home due to outside factors such as weather, seasonal changes, and construction. For instance, termites may enter your home through the foundation during construction or bad weather. Ensure that your roof is in good condition and your attic is adequately ventilated, as these are common areas where squirrels, birds, and bats can enter from outside.
Overgrown Trees
Trees too close to your home can give pests easy access, as they are already at the same height as your windows, vents, and roof. Trim any branches close to the house and keep them away from entry points. Regular tree trimming can reduce the risk of a pest infestation in your home. If you don’t have the time to do this, consider hiring a local tree care service to help you. They can take care of any dangerous or overgrown branches and keep them away from your home.
Preventing an Infestation
Taking proactive steps is the best way to prevent pests from entering your home. Here are four tips to do that:
Pests Repellents
Various natural and chemical pest repellents are available on the market. Before choosing a repellent, read the label to ensure it is safe for your home and family.
Cleanliness
Keeping your house tidy and clean is an effective way to prevent pests from invading. Ensure all food items are correctly stored in sealed containers, crumbs are wiped up, and spills are cleaned immediately after they occur. Regularly vacuum carpets, sweep floors, wash dishes, empty bins regularly, etc., so there’s no food source for pests left behind.
Seal Openings
Make sure to seal any openings or cracks around windows, doors, chimneys, foundations, etc., as tiny insects can use these spaces to enter your home.
Regular Home Maintenance
Performing regular home maintenance can reduce the risk of an infestation. Ensure that roofing, windows, and doors are all in good condition, and regularly check for any signs of pests around the house. Regularly inspect your home’s exterior and look for signs like droppings or nests. Contact a professional pest control agent immediately if you find any evidence of pests.
Keeping up with these tips will help keep pests away from your home so that you can live comfortably and peacefully in a pest-free environment. Understanding why pests are entering your home is the first step towards preventing them from doing so, but taking preventive measures such as sealing openings, keeping food sources sealed and tidy, and regularly inspecting your home’s exterior can help you keep pests away from your home for good.
