Understanding the connection between moisture and pets
When we find a pest problem in our house, the first thing we do is find the source of the infestation to protect your property. To survive, all living creatures need three things: food, water, and protection from the weather. When pests enter or settle in a human household, they are searching for—or have already discovered—at least one of these three essentials.
Pests can hide in nooks and crannies, waiting to exploit your indoor plumbing, even in the cleanest homes, with spotless kitchen countertops and food kept in airtight containers. A home’s moisture content is sufficient to draw many insects, and protection from inclement weather and predators is merely a bonus.
What Pests Are Attracted to Moisture?
- Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be a major nuisance because they swarm around your region, bite humans and animals, and leave behind large, itchy red welts. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and as their larvae grow, they adhere to the water’s surface. If undisturbed standing water is available, this can happen indoors as well, but it usually happens in still outdoor water.
- Termites
Every year, termites cause homeowners billions of pounds worth of property damage. These wood-eating pests typically build homes that offer them food, water, and protection from the weather and predators. Once a food and water source is found, the entire colony may move closer to the structure or inside.
- Ants
Ants are commonly found in kitchens, where they may come into contact with much water, grease, and food leftovers. One of the most common ant species in USA homes is odorous house ants, also called sugar ants. They will consume anything they can find in your kitchen, but they are especially attracted to sugar and sweets.
- Cockroaches
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that hide in small, dim spaces during the day. They are attracted to food, moisture, and warmth and may consume nearly anything. The most common places to find cockroaches are damp basements, restrooms, and kitchens.
How to Keep Your Home Dry and Pest-Free?
Maintaining a dry home is essential for preventing mold formation and keeping pests away. Here are some doable strategies for preventing those bothersome pests and maintaining low humidity levels.
- Utilizing Dehumidifiers to Maintain Low Humidity Levels
A dehumidifier is a useful device for regulating the amount of moisture in your house. By lowering the air’s humidity, these gadgets make the area less appealing to pests like silverfish, roaches, and mosquitoes. To keep the water collection dish from serving as another lure for these animals, don’t forget to empty it regularly.
- Regular Gutter Cleaning Importance
Due to clogged gutters, water buildup on your roof or around your home can and will result in an ideal habitat for various insects. Gutter cleaning regularly guarantees adequate drainage during rainy seasons and avoids standing water, which attracts insects like mosquitoes. Consider using a professional cleaning service if you can’t or don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself.
- Crawl Space Maintenance Tips
If not properly managed, your crawl area may become a breeding ground for bugs that prefer wetness. This region must always stay dry since moisture might draw termites and other harmful insects.
Conclusion
Because insects are drawn to moisture, it’s critical to keep your house dry and to be mindful of potential trouble spots, such as crawl spaces, windowsills, bathrooms, kitchens, and doorways with gaps and cracks. Other frequent offenders include:
- Indoor and outdoor potted plants.
- Air conditioners that leak condensation.
- Pet dishes that are left wet overnight.
The likelihood of experiencing pest-related problems can be considerably decreased by keeping your home drier, checking for leaks behind appliances or beneath sinks, making sure bathrooms and kitchens have adequate ventilation, maintaining your garden frequently, and cleaning your gutters after a rainstorm.
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