Ants, termites, spiders and other types of bugs are important to nature, but they do not belong in your home. If you have an infestation problem, then you may need to call in the professionals to eliminate the pests. However, there is a reason bugs were drawn to your home in the first place. Find out why your home attracts bugs and what you can do to stop them.
On the Lookout for Food
Like all living things, bugs need food and shelter to survive. If your home provides either or both of these things, then pests are likely to move in. Easy access to food will attract pests. Routinely leaving food or dirty dishes out will bring around pests searching for food. Even pet food that is not secured in a sealed container can entice bugs into your home.
Untraditional Food Sources
Pests can also be drawn to things you may not think of as food. Garbage is another attractant and possible food source for bugs. Termites eat and prefer moist wood. If you experience water damage in your home, either because of a leaky roof or a burst pipe, that can attract termites.
You can address these attractants by putting food away in sealed containers, cleaning dirty dishes and countertops and regularly taking out the trash. Also, stay on top of repairs and replace any water damaged wood.
Scouting for Shelter
When it comes to the ideal location to build a nest or web, bugs normally don’t have a lot of requirements. They need a place that provides protection from the elements and predators while also being in close proximity to food. Most homes fit these requirements, and bugs will be drawn inside if there is a way for them to enter. Cracks or holes in the foundation or structure of the home can provide points of entry.
Routinely check your home inside and out to look for any damage. Remember to check the foundation as well as caulking around windows and doors and even the sweep on the bottom of doors. Pests can fit through very small spaces but repairing damage and blocking areas of access can help keep insects, as well as rodents and other pests outside.
Maintaining a Bug-Free Home
When you understand why your home attracts bugs, you can take action to keep them out. If bugs have already found their way in, you can eliminate the infestation by working with a professional exterminator. Contact Ideal Pest Control today to learn more about how to treat or prevent a bug infestation in your home.
