Discovering pests on your property is hardly good news. You may think you have been unlucky, but the truth is that there are some common reasons why pests are coming into your home.
It isn’t all bad news. Understanding what attracts pests into your home is the first step to preventing an infestation.
In this guide, we will explore why pests are coming into your home and show you some easy ways to prevent them from entering your house in the future.
Four Reasons Why Pests are Coming into Your Home
There are four primary causes of pests coming into your home. If you can tackle these issues successfully, you will have more luck in preventing pest infestations.
- Home Maintenance
- Food
- Water
- Clutter
Let’s explore these four areas in more detail so you can ensure you have done as much as you can to eliminate the chance of pests entering your house. If you already have some unwelcome pests in your home, don’t hesitate to call us at EWS Group for advice.
- Home Maintenance
Your home may be your castle, but to pests, it is a chance to shelter from the elements.
Good Housekeeping suggests that the older your house, the more chance you have of discovering cracks, gaps, chips and other signs of wear and tear. If you find an opening, the chances are that a rat or mouse will see it first.
Even tiny holes are a problem, as rodents can squeeze into the smallest spaces. Rats have a unique ability to contort their skeleton to fit into surprisingly little holes.
It is best to create a routine where you check out your home twice a year to look for any new problems. Please focus on the exterior walls and examine them for vulnerabilities.
When you find a crack or gap, it is relatively easy to use a sealant or filler to ensure it becomes unpenetrable. For larger holes, choose foam filler but first use steel wool to fill the gap and prevent rats and mice from chewing through the sealant.
Any rotten wooden window frames should be replaced.
You should take extra care around the rafters as gaps here can allow pests to enter your attic space, and they may stay undiscovered for some time. The longer pests live in your home, the more they will breed, and your infestation will grow,
Remember that the time you take to keep your home in good repair will be far less time-consuming than trying to get rid of unwanted pests.
- Food
Pests constantly seek new food supplies as they need sustenance to survive, especially if they have a family to feed. Removing food sources is vital to discourage them from entering your home.
Deprive pests of food, and they won’t be attracted to your property.
First of all, don’t allow your kitchen cupboards to be a larder for rats and mice. They can squeeze into gaps under doors to access your food, so you must ensure that all food is stored securely in bags with clips and sealed containers.
Next, you must practise good hygiene by clearing crumbs and wiping spillages. Tackle your kitchen worktops and your dining table.
Load your dishwasher straight away and close the door. Wash up dishes immediately rather than leaving them stacked by the sink to invite unwelcome visitors to feed from your dinner remains.
Scrape all unwanted leftovers into a lidded bin so pests cannot access your food waste, and empty your bins regularly.
If you have teens, it may be time for a stern word about plates and cups left in bedrooms. The threat of an unwanted rat might just deter a reluctant family member from being lazy.
Finally, ensure your outside bins are sealed, and your rubbish is bagged inside securely. It is worth cleaning the outside of bins to deter pests from hanging around.
- Water
Water is essential for the majority of pests to survive. Some pests, like cockroaches, are even drawn to humidity and moisture as it keeps their bodies from drying out.
If your home suffers from condensation, consider using a dehumidifier to dry out the room. Wipe away the condensation that appears on windows.
It is essential to deal with leaks or dripping taps as puddles of water can provide a water source for pests. Don’t delay calling out a plumber, or you may have a bigger problem to deal with.
If you can eliminate water sources, any unwelcome pests will be forced to leave.
- Clutter
Dealing with clutter is much more than making your home look like an Instagram photo.
Piles of papers, clothing, bedding or toys make great hiding places for pests, and pests do like to stay hidden. The last thing you want to do is create a haven that makes pests feel safe and secure for moving about your house.
Clutter also provides nesting material for mice and rats. They are expert nest builders who can transport mess to the perfect spot to build a nest, not just for themselves but for their growing family.
Keeping your home clean and tidy makes it less attractive to most pests. It also means you will quickly spot signs of an infestation and be better positioned to do something about it.
What to do if pests get into your home?
It can be distressing to find pests have got into your home. You may feel violated, disgusted or scared.
You needn’t blame yourself for a pest infestation. Pests are clever creatures that can find ways to break in despite all your best efforts to keep them out.
Don’t panic. The most sensible thing you can do is call out the professionals. At EWS Group, we have fully trained technicians who are up to date on the latest techniques to eliminate pests and help prevent them from returning.
We will work with you to get rid of pests quickly and safely. Our services are always discrete and efficient.