6 Common Mistakes that Attract Pests to Your Home

Pests can be a real nuisance to homeowners. Once they’ve settled in your home, they can spread diseases and cause considerable damage to your home and furniture. If you are moving to a new place or you just want to keep your home pest-free, avoid these six common mistakes that may be attracting pests to your home.

You may also like: Preventive Tips for Pest Free Home

Not getting rid of clutter

Just because clutter doesn’t always contain food doesn’t mean it can’t attract pests. Whether it’s a stack of old newspapers or a few boxes lying around your home, clutter is a natural environment for most pests. Rodents such as rats are well-known for creating nests in dark and cluttered spaces, whereas small insects such as cockroaches and spiders often take shelter in clutter. In fact, these clutters could turn into a likely blind spot in identifying potential pest signs and symptoms and in the long run, it becomes a harbourage spot. The best way to avoid this is by storing items that you don’t use in sealed plastic boxes or bags. Discard any unused items, boxes or cartons to reduce clutter are good defence for keeping pests at bay.

Not covering gaps, cracks and holes

Gaps, cracks, and holes in the wall are among the top reasons why pests can enter a home. These may be spaces under doors or holes in walls where wires, pipes, and drains pass through. Small insects can easily enter these small openings. Holes and cracks in the wall can also provide small insects with a place to hide. To keep pests out for good, make it a point to fill holes and seal cracks around your home and apply some proofing to deny access and entry to these pests.

Not taking out the trash regularly

It is no secret that pests are attracted to food and waste. A trash can that isn’t thrown out regularly is a sure-fire way to invite pests into your home. Aside from disposing your garbage properly, it’s also important to clean up the trash bins routinely every few weeks to make sure it’s free of any waste residue that can still entice pests. If you have a garbage chute at home, make sure it is securely fastened to avoid cockroaches from entering your apartment. Cockroach control solution is usually recommended to treat and protect these key risks areas in your home.

Read also: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Singapore – The Pest That Everyone Dislikes

Not repairing leaks

Apart from the structural issues and mould that it creates, leaks can also attract a number of pests into your home. Pests like cockroaches and rats are attracted to damp areas. Stagnant water, on the other hand, gives mosquitoes a place to lay their eggs. Leaks that have damaged wood create optimal conditions for wood boring insects such as termites to infest the area. Another thing to consider is that most pests can survive for up to a month on water alone. If you have water leaks or any area in your house that accumulates a lot of moisture, then your priority should be getting it fixed to limit damages, and more importantly to prevent providing the availability of food source to these pests.  If you are not sure your home structure is damaged due to old structural conditions or a pest infestation arising from termites or carpenter ants, engage a professional Termite Inspection to rule out any possible risks.

Not repairing broken screens

Aside from cracks in walls and doorways, another entry way that shouldn’t be overlooked is broken screens and vents. Some holes are so tiny that homeowners don’t notice them right away, but tiny insects can still squeeze their way into. The odour of food also passes through the screen, luring insects in. The best way to keep small insects out is by having holes in screens and vents repaired.

Not cleaning kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances such as stoves, microwaves, and toaster ovens often have food particles left over after use. These attract common household pests in your kitchen. Since the kitchen is where you prepare and cook food, the presence of pests can pose numerous health risks for you and your family. Pests can spread harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E Coli through contact with kitchen surfaces as well as their droppings and urine which can contaminate food. It’s important to clean these appliances as well as your kitchen regularly to avoid inviting unwanted pests in your home.

Procrastinating in seeking early pest control treatments

One of the common mistakes in managing pest activities is seeking proper pest control measures late. Largely would adopt the “wait and see” approach or have their hands on DIY remedies that compromises on safety and efficacy. Most would also think that pest control solutions are meant for severe cases or complex pests to eradicate such as termites and rats. However, it is important to know that pest management should start early to avoid escalating the problem or worsen the spread to other parts of the home.

Learn more about the pest control solutions and treatments available

Pests not only cause havoc and distress but they can also be very costly to homeowners. By avoiding these mistakes, you can keep pests out of your home. Keep in mind that when the situation is severe, DIY rarely works. If you are worried about pest infestation is more than you can handle, contact us at (65) 6347 8138 to learn about our effective pest control solutions for your home.